Au pied du Sinaï

Au pied du Sinaï by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is an illustrated book project, containing twenty-one original lithographs and six photolithographed tailpieces. This complex work, created in 1897 and officially published the following year in 1898, represents a significant contribution to the French graphic arts tradition at the fin-de-siècle. Classified as a deluxe illustrated book, the edition required the artist to engage deeply with the narrative structure and design constraints unique to the volume format.

The work showcases the artist’s mastery of the lithographic process. The collection includes twenty-one distinct print impressions, notably featuring ten variants that highlight Toulouse-Lautrec’s dedicated experimentation with color, tone, and composition across different states of the plates. This technical complexity was characteristic of high-end French print publishing of the era. The lithographs themselves are characterized by the distinctive hand-drawn quality, fluid line work, and sharp characterizations that define his highly personal style. Further integrating evolving technology, the book incorporates six photolithographed tailpieces, demonstrating the period's blending of traditional handcraft with mechanical reproduction techniques in commercial art and book design.

While Toulouse-Lautrec is primarily celebrated for his iconic posters and prints documenting the cabarets and theatres of Parisian life, projects like Au pied du Sinaï demonstrate his versatile engagement with established literary subjects. This piece is essential for understanding the full scope of the artist’s output during his final, prolific years, particularly his critical role in elevating prints and graphic design to the status of fine art. An important example of the livre d'artiste tradition, this rare illustrated book resides within the esteemed collection of the Museum of Modern Art, underscoring its historical importance. As a work created prior to 1928, copies of the individual prints have entered the public domain, making them highly sought-after reference materials for scholars and print enthusiasts.