Brasseur's Entrance in Chilpéric

Brasseur's Entrance in Chilpéric by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) is a masterful example of the artist's dedication to graphic arts during the fin de siècle era in France. Executed in 1895, this print is a color lithograph rendered on ivory wove paper. This medium allowed Toulouse-Lautrec the spontaneity and vibrant color essential for his distinctive imagery, effectively bridging the gap between traditional fine art and the burgeoning commercial poster design of the period.

The subject matter, Brasseur's Entrance, likely references a specific actor or character from a contemporary Parisian theatrical production. Toulouse-Lautrec consistently utilized the stage, cafes, and cabarets as his primary source material, capturing the unvarnished realities and dramatic poses of performers rather than adhering to academic idealization. This piece reflects his mature artistic development, characterized by sharp compositional angles, simplified forms, and bold, yet subtle, applications of color. As a leading figure in post-Impressionist prints, the artist helped elevate lithography from a mere reproductive technique to a recognized artistic discipline.

The work serves as an important visual documentation of theatrical life in late nineteenth-century France. This singular piece is classified as a print and remains a significant holding within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Due to its age and cultural importance, documentation related to this seminal example of French art is frequently shared under public domain initiatives, allowing students and scholars worldwide to study the influential techniques employed by Toulouse-Lautrec.