At the Concert

At the Concert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) captures the intimate yet often anonymous atmosphere of Parisian entertainment venues during the fin de siècle. Created in 1896, this subtle yet powerful composition exemplifies Lautrec's keen observation of modern urban life, focusing on the audience rather than the stage performers.

The work is a zincograph on cream wove paper, a medium that allowed the artist to produce widely accessible graphic images. Zincography, a technique closely related to lithography, provided Lautrec the immediacy necessary to translate his rapid sketches and observations directly onto the printing plate. This work, classified as a print, relies on sharp contrasts and cropped perspectives, typical of his mature style influenced by Japanese woodblock printing.

Lautrec specialized in documenting the theaters, cafés, and concert halls of Montmartre in France, portraying both the performers and the clientele with an unflinching realism. This piece reflects a transition in his subject matter, moving away from the highly dramatic posters of the early 1890s toward quieter, more psychological portrayals of interior life. The emphasis here is less on grand spectacle and more on the specific social dynamics and compressed spaces of the French concert hall.

This significant image, reflecting the height of Lautrec’s printmaking career, is part of the extensive collection held by the Art Institute of Chicago. Because of its age and cultural impact, this work and many of Lautrec’s other masterworks are frequently available through public domain resources, allowing widespread study of his contribution to modern graphic arts.