Au pied du Sinaï: Les Juifs Polonais, Carlsbad

Au pied du Sinaï: Les Juifs Polonais, Carlsbad is a striking lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898. Produced near the end of the artist’s prolific career, this print exemplifies the sophisticated draftsmanship and technical mastery he brought to the medium of lithography. This technique allowed the French master to achieve a distinctive visual shorthand, utilizing rapid lines and nuanced tonal variations, which were essential for the quick, observational studies that defined his later work.

The subject matter shifts Toulouse-Lautrec’s characteristic focus away from the bohemian nightlife of Paris to the international spa town of Carlsbad (Karlový Vary). The title, translating to "At the Foot of Sinai: The Polish Jews, Carlsbad," indicates the focus is on Jewish visitors from Poland gathered at this Central European resort, likely seeking the therapeutic benefits of the famed mineral springs. The composition captures these individuals engaged in various activities, characterized by their specific attire and mannerisms. Toulouse-Lautrec provides a detached yet insightful character study, documenting the diverse social strata of fin-de-siècle Europe.

As an important example of late 19th-century graphic arts, this lithograph demonstrates the enduring appeal of the artist's eye for social reportage. The nature of prints, intended for wider reproduction, ensured the broad reach of Lautrec’s visual commentaries during his lifetime and beyond. This work resides in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is preserved for scholarship. As an artwork created more than a century ago, data and high-quality reproductions of this important piece are often found entering the public domain.