Aristide Bruant (from Le Café Concert)

Aristide Bruant (from Le Café Concert) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1893, is a remarkable example of the artist's dedication to documenting the cultural life of fin-de-siècle Paris. This particular impression is a specialized print combining brush, crayon, and spatter lithography, executed entirely in black ink on wove paper, and is classified as the only known state for this composition. Toulouse-Lautrec focused here on Aristide Bruant, a celebrated chansonnier (singer) instantly recognizable by his signature costume: the wide-brimmed hat, black velvet cape, and vibrant red scarf. Bruant was a formidable figure among the men who dominated the Montmartre entertainment circuit, known for his abrasive wit and popular, sardonic songs about working-class life.

Toulouse-Lautrec favored the immediacy of the lithographic medium, which allowed him to translate the raw energy of performance directly onto the paper. In this striking print, the performer’s powerful silhouette fills the composition, conveying his theatrical presence and commanding relationship with the audience. The minimal yet impactful technique demonstrates the artist's innovation in graphic design, elevating the status of popular prints into fine art.

As a critical observer of modern urbanity, Toulouse-Lautrec captured the essential vitality of the Belle Époque's entertainment world. This influential work remains a cornerstone for understanding the development of modern French prints. Classified as a definitive example of late 19th-century graphic arts, this piece is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Because of its historical significance and age, high-quality images of this work often enter the public domain, ensuring broad accessibility for study and appreciation.