At the Curtain (Au Rideau), from "L'Estampe Originale"

At the Curtain (Au Rideau), from "L'Estampe Originale" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, is a significant print created in 1895, representing the artist’s profound engagement with the spectacles and hidden life of Parisian entertainment. This work is a lithograph, executed using a technically complex combination of crayon, brush, and spatter, printed in two colors, and exists in a single state. The inclusion of this piece in the seminal publication L'Estampe Originale confirms its importance within the history of late 19th-century French prints, which sought to elevate original graphic art to the same stature as painting. This exceptional impression is housed in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met).

Toulouse-Lautrec, the era’s foremost chronicler of bohemian life, directs his gaze toward the world of the Theatre. At the Curtain captures a momentary scene behind the stage, revealing the anticipation and controlled chaos of the performers and staff before or after a major act. The composition features various figures-men and women-who are either engaging in conversation or waiting for their cue, reflecting the artist’s interest in candid human interaction. Dominating the background are the forms of two elephants, whose presence confirms the grand scale of the theatrical performance, likely a circus or major revue, where exotic elements were key attractions.

The artist’s mastery of the lithograph medium is evident in the expressive quality of the line work and the texture achieved through the spatter technique. This print showcases Toulouse-Lautrec's unique ability to distill atmosphere and character through simplified yet dynamic graphic means, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of modern prints during the 1890s.