At the Concert

"At the Concert" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) is a seminal work executed in 1896, capturing the raw, vibrant atmosphere of fin-de-siècle Paris. This color lithograph, rendered on cream wove paper, exemplifies Lautrec’s masterful adoption of the print medium for both fine art and commercial application. A pivotal figure in Post-Impressionist France, Lautrec elevated lithography from a mere reproductive technique to a primary artistic form, perfectly suited to the rapid communication demands of modern urban culture. The medium allowed the artist to explore bold outlines, flat planes of color, and innovative compositions that mirrored the dynamism of Montmartre nightlife.

The piece reflects Lautrec’s deep immersion in the entertainment districts, particularly the music halls and cabarets. His compositions frequently feature candid, sometimes uncomfortable, views of both performers and patrons, providing a socio-historical record of the era. The sharp angles and dramatically cropped figures characteristic of Lautrec’s style reflect the influence of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, adapted for the gritty, gaslit context of 19th-century France.

Lautrec’s technical skill is evident in the subtle layering of color necessary to achieve the specific textures and light effects in this work. The ability of the artist to quickly capture essential character and motion transformed fleeting moments of public life into lasting art. This important print is part of the extensive collection of graphic arts at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key example of the artistic innovations prevalent around 1896. The widespread nature of Lautrec’s graphic works contributed significantly to the democratization of art, and many of these historically significant prints are now widely available for study through public domain resources.