Rare Vintage Sterilized Milk Poster ‘Lait Pur Sterilise’ by Steinlen, c.1894

This is the first poster Charles Verneau printed for Steinlen.  This poster became an instant success and has remained a treasure of the Art Nouveau period.

This charming image depicts multiple adorable cats as they are anxiously anticipating their share of the milk in Colette’s bowl.  Colette actually is the artist’s adorable daughter!

It is a simple delicate image with a tremendous impact.  As a result of his success at La Bodiniere in the Spring of 1894, Steinlen’s work became well recognized and appreciated throughout Europe.

Then Edward Bella, a major collector from London, purchased one of Steinlen’s ‘Lait Pur Sterilise’ for his own personal collection and exhibited it in 1895 at the Royal Aquarium in London.