Carnot is Sick!

"Carnot is Sick!" is a distinctive lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) in 1893. This classification as a print on cream wove paper showcases the artist’s profound commitment to lithography, a medium he championed for its immediacy and its potential for mass circulation throughout France. The work is characteristic of Lautrec's rapid, graphic style, which translated the energy of contemporary Parisian life and political commentary onto stone.

During the 1890s, Lautrec stood at the forefront of the commercial print revolution, transforming reproductive prints into a respected artistic medium. While he is most often recognized for his depictions of the Moulin Rouge and the bohemian world, Carnot is Sick! likely functions as a satirical commentary on the era’s political climate, possibly targeting President Marie François Sadi Carnot, who was assassinated the following year. Lautrec's approach to social commentary was often biting, using the stark contrasts and immediacy of the lithographic process to convey his message quickly and effectively to a broad audience.

This piece demonstrates the versatility of the artist, who elevated graphic prints from mere commercial advertisements and illustrations to fine art. His style draws influence from popular Japanese ukiyo-e prints, visible in the flattened compositions and strong, dark outlines characteristic of his greatest works. The accessibility of Lautrec's innovative graphic works, including many now residing in the public domain, ensures his continued influence on artists studying 19th-century illustration. This important example of French cultural output is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.