Buy my Pretty Violets, from Mélodies de Désiré Dihau

"Buy my Pretty Violets, from Mélodies de Désiré Dihau" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) is a definitive example of the graphic arts movement that swept France in the late nineteenth century. Created in 1895, this lithograph, printed on tan wove paper and incorporating lithographic text, showcases Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery of the reproductive medium and his dedication to documenting Parisian life. The classification of the work as a print highlights its commercial origin, likely intended as a cover or illustration within the published musical score Mélodies de Désiré Dihau.

Toulouse-Lautrec's artistic career was intrinsically linked to the entertainment sphere of Montmartre. Unlike academic painters, he embraced the immediacy and democracy of the lithograph, using the technique to capture the energy and personalities of musicians, performers, and ordinary citizens. This piece embodies the cultural moment of fin-de-siècle France, prioritizing strong, economical line work and bold compositions influenced by Japanese prints. The artist's focus on intimate human interaction and everyday commerce lends the work both documentary realism and psychological depth.

The graphic boldness achieved in the composition was instrumental in transforming the definition of posters and art prints during this era. Lautrec ensured that the image remained effective even when reproduced alongside commercial text. As a crucial record of 19th-century French graphic design, this original 1895 work is included in the extensive permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.