At the Maison d'Or

At the Maison d'Or by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901), created in 1897, is a sophisticated example of the artist’s mastery of graphic art during the Belle Époque. This work is classified as a fine art print, executed specifically as a color lithograph on ivory wove paper. Lautrec utilized the technical possibilities of lithography, employing broad swaths of color and characteristic fluid line work, which allowed him to capture the nuanced atmosphere of Parisian interior life with immediacy and precision.

Created during a period of intense cultural change in France, the piece reflects Lautrec's enduring commitment to documenting the less glamorous, private side of the city's demi-monde. While the specific subject matter suggests an intimate scene within a high-end restaurant or perhaps a brothel, the image is devoid of overt sensationalism, focusing instead on subtle interactions and the psychological states of the figures. The print exemplifies Lautrec’s signature style: synthesizing the candid observation of Impressionism with the bold compositional techniques inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e prints.

The enduring popularity of Lautrec's works, particularly his extensive output of lithographic posters and prints, solidifies his importance in art history. Many of his works, including key prints from this era, are now widely accessible through public domain resources, allowing for widespread study and appreciation. This impression of At the Maison d'Or (1897) is preserved within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a powerful record of late nineteenth-century French culture.