At the Concert (Au concert)

At the Concert (Au concert) is a dynamic 4-color lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. This vibrant print exemplifies the artist's dedication to capturing the contemporary French urban nightlife prevalent during the period 1876 to 1900. Originally conceived as a poster, the work showcases Toulouse-Lautrec's mastery of the demanding lithographic process, a medium that allowed for the mass distribution of his distinctive style.

The medium of lithography was crucial for Toulouse-Lautrec, allowing him to translate the immediate energy of fin-de-siècle Parisian entertainment venues directly onto paper. Known primarily for documenting the dancers, singers, and spectators of the Montmartre district, this piece captures a specific moment within the Parisian demimonde. Unlike more traditional paintings, the strong outlines, cropped compositions, and flattened planes inherent in poster design emphasize immediate visual impact, reflecting the growing importance of commercial graphic arts in late 19th-century French culture. Toulouse-Lautrec’s technical approach, limiting his palette to four primary colors, demonstrates an economy of means while maintaining a dramatically engaging effect suitable for public display.

As one of the preeminent draftsmen of the Post-Impressionist era, Toulouse-Lautrec elevated the status of the commercial print from mere advertising to high art. Works like At the Concert are considered pivotal examples of modern poster design, influencing subsequent generations of graphic artists. The piece resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a significant record of the vibrant artistic and social history of the era. Given its cultural importance and classification as a print, images derived from this artwork are frequently available through various institutional collections, often designated as public domain resources.