THEOPHILE ALEXANDRE STEINLEN Pure Milk of the Vinegeanne Sterilized, 2000

This charming and highly collectible poster reproduces one of Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen’s most beloved advertising images, created to promote sterilized milk from the Guillot Frères company in the Vingeanne region of France. Steinlen, a master of Belle Époque illustration and closely associated with Montmartre, brings warmth, intimacy, and narrative sensitivity to this iconic design.

The composition features a tender domestic scene: a young girl—Steinlen’s daughter, Colette—dressed in a flowing red gown, seated quietly as she drinks her milk. Gathered around her are several cats, rendered with remarkable character and naturalism, reflecting the artist’s well-known affection for feline subjects. The interaction between child and animals conveys a sense of calm, trust, and everyday life.

The palette is both soft and luminous, with the rich red of the dress serving as a visual anchor against the warm, muted background. Steinlen’s fluid linework and subtle tonal modeling create a composition that is at once decorative and deeply human.

The elegant typography integrates seamlessly into the image, reinforcing its role as both advertisement and work of art. This poster exemplifies the golden age of French advertising, where artists of Steinlen’s caliber elevated commercial imagery to enduring cultural icons.

Printed in the pre-digital poster tradition, this reproduction captures the delicacy and charm of the original design, making it both a collectible and a highly decorative piece.

A timeless and appealing work, ideal for collectors of Belle Époque posters, animal imagery, and classic French advertising.

Framing available upon request.