Alors vous êtes sages

Alors vous êtes sages by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a sophisticated example of the lithograph medium, created in 1897. This print reflects the artist’s deep engagement with the social dynamics and character studies of the Parisian fin de siècle. Produced late in his career, the work demonstrates Toulouse-Lautrec's mastery of the graphic arts, utilizing the technical potential of the stone to achieve rich textural variation and atmospheric depth.

The work’s subject matter focuses on an intimate and often ironic observation of human interaction. Typical of his style, Toulouse-Lautrec utilizes simplified forms and focused lighting to highlight the expressions and postures of the featured men and women. Unlike the sweeping spectacle of his famous posters for the Moulin Rouge, this piece operates on a smaller, more psychological scale, capturing a fleeting moment of dialogue or contemplation. The title, translating roughly to “So, you are being good,” suggests an underlying narrative or a wry comment on the social performance expected of the figures depicted.

As a vital contributor to the Post-Impressionist movement, Toulouse-Lautrec elevated commercial and fine art prints to a high standard, blurring the lines between illustration and high art. This particular lithograph offers invaluable insight into the cultural atmosphere of the era, where social commentary was often delivered through subtle visual cues. The work is classified as a print and currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the age and enduring artistic significance of pieces from this period, high-resolution images of such historic prints are often available for study through public domain initiatives.