At the Concert

At the Concert is a highly distinctive print created by the French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) in 1896. This work captures the observational style characteristic of his depictions of Parisian nightlife during the fin-de-siècle. Lautrec was a central figure in modern graphic arts, utilizing reproductive techniques like lithography to document the transient moments found in concert halls and cabarets. His prolific output made his images widely circulated, placing them firmly in the public domain of visual culture.

The medium reveals an unusual and experimental approach. Although classified as a print, the artifact is specifically the zinc lithographic plate itself, not merely an impression taken from it. This plate has been physically modified for presentation, featuring intentionally removed corners and carefully beveled edges. Furthermore, the zinc surface is laid down upon a mauve board and secured with tape to a mat, emphasizing the material object quality of the preparatory medium rather than the resulting paper print.

Lautrec’s intense focus on the world of entertainment made him a pivotal figure in Post-Impressionist art in France. His prints, often intended for widespread distribution, redefined the poster and the graphic work as fine art forms. The technical specifics of At the Concert, including the transformation of the plate into a display piece, provide important insight into the artist’s continuous exploration of his craft. This exceptional work of French culture from the year 1896 resides in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.