At the Picton Bar, rue Scribe (Au bar Picton, rue Scribe)

At the Picton Bar, rue Scribe (Au bar Picton, rue Scribe), created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896, is a powerful lithograph in black on velin paper, capturing a characteristic moment of Parisian social life. This print exemplifies the artist's dedication to depicting the bars, cafés, and entertainment venues that defined the vibrant French Fin de Siècle culture. As a key figure among Post-Impressionist artists, Toulouse-Lautrec was instrumental in elevating the modern print medium from a tool for commercial advertising to an accepted form of fine art.

Dating from the historical period spanning 1876 to 1900, the work reflects the rapid changes in urban society. The composition places the viewer intimately within the bar setting on the rue Scribe, an area near many Parisian theaters and high-end establishments. Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the lithograph technique masterfully, employing stark black lines and areas of deep shadow to define the figures and convey the atmosphere of the interior space. The choice of velin paper ensures a smooth surface well-suited for the nuanced tonal variations achieved in black-and-white printmaking. This simplified approach allowed him to document the essence and often the isolation of his subjects with rapid precision.

Toulouse-Lautrec’s unflinching observation of human interactions in the nightlife landscape solidified his reputation as an astute chronicler of modern life. This piece is significant both technically and historically, serving as a critical document of French society and graphic arts history during the late nineteenth century. This exceptional impression of At the Picton Bar, rue Scribe is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it stands as a prime example of the artist’s mastery of the lithographic process.