Au Concert

Au Concert is a distinctive lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. As a defining master of fin-de-siècle graphic arts, Toulouse-Lautrec captured the vivid, often stark realities of Parisian entertainment, particularly the famous café-concerts and theaters of Montmartre. This print is a powerful example of the artist’s groundbreaking use of the lithographic process, which allowed for quick reproduction and dissemination, cementing his reputation as a key figure in modern poster design and print culture in France.

Toulouse-Lautrec employed sharp, economic lines and simplified planes of color, characteristics typical of his mature graphic style. Rather than focusing on high-drama or sentimental depiction, the work concentrates on character study and atmosphere, often observing figures in repose or engaged in quiet conversation amidst the boisterous environment. The composition is marked by the flattened perspective and exaggerated, individualized figures that define his late-career prints. The artist was revolutionary in treating the lithograph not merely as a reproductive tool but as an original and sophisticated art form, accessible beyond the traditional gallery setting.

This important work provides a vital, unsentimental glimpse into the social strata of Belle Époque France. Recognized globally for its historical significance and artistic merit, the compelling print, titled Au Concert, is part of the extensive holdings of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of its age and cultural impact, this historical print often appears in high-quality reproductions available in the public domain, allowing international audiences to study Toulouse-Lautrec’s influential graphic output.