A Gentleman and a Lady (Un Monsieur et une dame), program for Money (L'Argent) from The Beraldi Album of Theatre Programs by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a masterful example of the artist's engagement with the ephemeral commercial art of Parisian nightlife in 1895. This work is classified as a print, specifically one lithograph selected from the significant Beraldi Album, a collection of fifty programs that documents the lively French theatrical scene of the fin de siècle.
As a pioneering figure in modern graphic design, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the medium of lithography to achieve swift, economical designs suitable for mass distribution. The work captures the essence of social interaction common to the theaters and music halls he frequented. While the identity of the figures remains generalized, the image depicts a sophisticated gentleman and a lady, likely attending or associated with the production of the play L'Argent (Money). Toulouse-Lautrec employs his characteristic abbreviated style, using sharp delineation and minimal shading to convey form and atmosphere rather than detailed portraiture. This approach, heavily influenced by Japanese prints, allowed him to imbue his subjects with psychological depth while maintaining the immediacy required of a program cover.
The creation of works like this program solidified Toulouse-Lautrec’s reputation as the primary chronicler of French society in the 1890s. His prolific output of posters and prints ensured his artistic innovations permeated the public sphere, blurring the lines between fine art and commercial advertisement. Dating from 1895, this print not only documents a specific theatrical event but also represents a critical moment in the history of modern graphic design. The piece is part of the distinguished collection of prints held by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), recognizing its enduring artistic and historical significance. Due to the era of its creation, many of Toulouse-Lautrec's remarkable prints are accessible through various public domain art initiatives.
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