I was quite surprised last class when I saw this cat poster shown because I bought a copy of this in Florence this summer and I wouldn't have thought this poster has so many things to say. At fisrt when I bought the copy I just thought it was prettier than other pictures there. However I always want to know the story behind this poster.
I have searched some information about this cat. First I found out that the word Le Chat Noir represents a kind of entertainment in late 19 century in France welcomed by a group of artists, especially Picasso. However this didn't exist for a long time. It was a shame for both Paris and the cultural field I think because Le Chat Noir represented a trend to move forward and develop. I have also read some articles in memory of those days. I guess it was a time for new things to emerge but was killed at last.
Then I found out the author of this poster, Théophile Alexandre Steinlen, was also inspired in Le Chat Noir, a cafe shop related to this trend and entertainment in Paris. I always like those coffee shops in Europe, where are not only a place to eat and drink, but also for people to exchage ideas and communicate whatever they like. Culture occured there, and we know something like this cannot happen in a busy and stressful life.
