Tournée du Chat Noir c.1896 by Théophile Steinlen – Iconic Paris Cabaret & Art Nouveau Wall Art

Tournée du Chat Noir – Steinlen’s Iconic Black Cat Cabaret Poster

Bring one of the most recognizable images of Belle Époque Paris into your décor with Tournée du Chat Noir de Rodolphe Salis, the legendary 1896 cabaret poster created by Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen.

Although Rodolphe Salis is prominently named on the poster and is sometimes mistakenly listed as its artist, he was the founder and impresario of Le Chat Noir. The artwork itself is signed by Steinlen, whose black cat became an enduring symbol of Montmartre nightlife.

The composition features an enormous black cat sitting upright with an alert, commanding expression. Its angular ears, luminous eyes, extended whiskers, sharply defined paws, and dramatically curling tail create a silhouette that is simultaneously elegant, mysterious, and slightly mischievous.

Behind the cat’s head, a decorative red halo incorporates the phrase “Montjoie Montmartre,” giving the animal an almost sacred presence while humorously elevating the cabaret’s famous mascot to the status of a cultural icon.

The hand-lettered announcement reads “Prochainement – Tournée du Chat Noir de Rodolphe Salis,” advertising an upcoming touring performance connected with Salis and his celebrated Montmartre establishment.

Steinlen arranges the typography in black, red, and cream so that it becomes inseparable from the cat’s body. The oversized tail curves across the red lower panel and visually interacts with Salis’s name, giving the entire poster a unified decorative rhythm.

The restrained palette of black, red, ochre, and warm cream contributes to the image’s exceptional graphic power. Broad, nearly flat areas of color allow the cat to remain legible and memorable even from a considerable distance.

Founded by Rodolphe Salis, Le Chat Noir became famous for its artists, musicians, poets, performers, satirical entertainment, and shadow theater. Its Montmartre audience helped define the unconventional creative culture associated with fin-de-siècle Paris.

Steinlen’s design captures that bohemian world through a single unforgettable mascot. The black cat suggests independence, curiosity, nighttime adventure, artistic rebellion, and the mysterious energy of the Parisian cabaret.

This museum-grade reproduction makes an exceptional focal point for home bars, lounges, cafés, restaurants, music rooms, kitchens, libraries, bedrooms, offices, and eclectic Parisian-inspired interiors. It is also an irresistible gift for cat lovers, Francophiles, performers, and collectors of historic French advertising.

Why Collectors Love This Print

• Created by renowned artist Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen
• Promotes Rodolphe Salis’s famous Chat Noir cabaret tour
• Features one of art history’s most recognizable black cats
• Captures the bohemian spirit of Montmartre
• Uses a dramatic black, red, ochre, and cream palette
• Includes the distinctive red halo behind the cat
• Displays expressive hand-drawn French typography
• Combines humor, mystery, and exceptional graphic design
• Represents the culture of Belle Époque Paris
• Offers powerful visual impact from across a room
• Complements bars, cafés, kitchens, and music rooms
• Appeals to both cat lovers and poster collectors
• Pairs beautifully with other French cabaret artwork
• Makes a distinctive gift for Francophiles and performers
• Reproduces an enduring masterpiece of advertising design

Available Print & Display Options

• Fine Art Prints
• Framed Fine Art Prints
• Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
• Black Floater Frame Canvas
• White Floater Frame Canvas
• Brown Floater Frame Canvas
• Natural Floater Frame Canvas
• Metal Prints

Choose the presentation that best complements your décor, from a traditional fine-art print to a ready-to-display framed, canvas, floater-frame, or metal format.

Artwork Details

• Title: Tournée du Chat Noir de Rodolphe Salis
• Artist: Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen
• Date: 1896
• Country of origin: France
• Location represented: Montmartre, Paris
• Featured impresario: Rodolphe Salis
• Historic venue: Le Chat Noir
• Purpose: Touring cabaret and entertainment promotion
• Primary subject: Large seated black cat
• Secondary imagery: Red halo, curling tail, and hand-lettered announcement
• Style: Belle Époque, Art Nouveau, cabaret advertising
• Dominant colors: Black, red, ochre, and warm cream
• Mood: Mysterious, bohemian, playful, theatrical, and iconic
• Recommended spaces: Home bars, lounges, cafés, kitchens, music rooms, libraries, bedrooms, offices, and restaurants

Disclaimer

This artwork is a Museum Grade Reproduction of a Historical advertising poster.

This is a decorative reproduction and not the original 1896 lithograph. Minor differences in color, texture, contrast, or cropping may occur among available sizes and display formats.

Yesterday’s Posters is an independent seller and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Le Chat Noir, Rodolphe Salis’s estate, Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen’s estate, or any related rights holder.