Bust of Mademoiselle Marcelle Lender (Mademoiselle Marcelle Lender, en buste)

Bust of Mademoiselle Marcelle Lender (Mademoiselle Marcelle Lender, en buste), created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895, is an intimate and definitive portrait of the celebrated actress and dancer, Marcelle Lender. This piece is executed as a rare lithograph proof, distinguishing it from the larger printed editions the artist often produced. The technical choice of printing in olive green ink on delicate Japan paper enhances the graphic quality, offering a subtle, sophisticated tonality rather than the typical vibrant colors found in his poster work.

Toulouse-Lautrec was a revolutionary figure in the realm of French prints, expertly using the medium of lithography to capture the dynamic energy of Parisian nightlife. As a key chronicler of the fin-de-siècle during the period spanning 1876 to 1900, he focused on personalities from the entertainment world, elevating performers and cabaret stars to the level of serious portraiture. Marcelle Lender, known for her performances in operettas and revues, was a favorite subject. In this work, Toulouse-Lautrec captures her distinct presence through economical lines, focusing on the refined contours of her profile and the dramatic flair of her silhouette.

This piece underscores Toulouse-Lautrec's unique observational skill, maintaining the immediacy and psychological depth characteristic of his best drawings despite the mechanical nature of printmaking. This exceptional proof, which offers insight into the artist's technical decisions before the print run was finalized, is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The legacy of his pioneering prints continues to influence graphic artists globally, and today, key works like Bust of Mademoiselle Marcelle Lender are often accessible through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread study of this critical figure in modern French art history.