About the Artist
Théophile Alexandre Steinlen was a Swiss-born artist who became a central figure in the visual culture of Belle Époque Paris. Renowned for his work in illustration, poster design, and printmaking, Steinlen captured the vibrancy of urban life and the spirit of popular entertainment with remarkable empathy and graphic skill.
His posters, especially those created for Parisian cabarets and publications, are celebrated for their ability to blend artistic innovation with mass appeal. Discover more of his legacy in our famous artists collection, where the golden age of printmaking is brought into contemporary interiors.
The Artwork
This 1899 poster, Cocorico, was created during a period when Parisian nightlife thrived and visual advertising became a powerful tool for cultural expression. Commissioned for the influential illustrated magazine Cocorico, the artwork reflects the era's fascination with bold imagery and the use of posters as both publicity and artistic statement.
The rooster, or cocorico, is more than a decorative motif; it is a symbol of French national pride and wit, often used to convey a sense of playful provocation. This piece embodies the lively, competitive spirit of Montmartre's creative scene, where artists and venues vied for attention through striking visual language, as seen in many classic advertising posters.
Style & Characteristics
Steinlen's design is instantly recognizable for its assertive outlines and simplified forms, hallmarks of late nineteenth-century lithographic poster art. The composition centers on a dynamic rooster, rendered in bold black with vivid red and yellow accents, standing out against a warm beige background.
Integrated hand-drawn lettering and subtle grey shadows enhance the graphic impact, ensuring the image is legible from afar. The palette and energetic lines create a mood that is both confident and playful, making this poster a quintessential example of fin de siècle Parisian graphic design, ideal for those drawn to red accented wall art.
In Interior Design
This vintage poster enlivens kitchens, dining spaces, entryways, or home bars with its spirited imagery and historical resonance. Its bold composition makes it a striking focal point in offices or creative studios, where its artistic heritage is immediately apparent.
Pair with black or natural wood frames and coordinate with textiles in beige, yellow, or red for a harmonious look. The poster complements eclectic, industrial, and modern interiors, and is especially appealing to collectors seeking Parisian rooster art within a curated kitchen wall art display.
