Le Chat Noir was a popular cabaret located in the Montmartre district of Paris, which became a hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals. It was founded in 1881 by the French artist Rodolphe Salis. The cabaret's name, which means "The Black Cat," was a reference to a popular superstition in French culture, where black cats were thought to be mysterious and sometimes ominous. The Le Chat Noir poster is one of the earliest and most famous examples of the modern advertising poster. Steinlen's painting and design contributed to the poster's lasting place in the history of graphic design, influencing the development of poster art in the 20th century. The Le Chat Noir poster was highly successful in promoting the cabaret, becoming one of the most recognizable images of the late 19th century. Its success led to widespread use in French advertising and inspired many other artists, making it a prime example of the convergence of fine art and commercial design during the period. The black cat became a symbol of mystery, allure, and sometimes rebellion. Steinlen's portrayal of the cat became symbolic of the bohemian lifestyle and artistic culture of the time, reflecting both the whimsical and the darker aspects of Parisian nightlife. Its enigmatic expression and posture suggest a kind of independence and defiance that mirrored the atmosphere of Montmartre, where the cabaret was located.