Christmas Ballad (Ballade de Noël) from Quatorze lithographies originales (Mélodies de Désiré Dihau)

Christmas Ballad (Ballade de Noël) from Quatorze lithographies originales (Mélodies de Désiré Dihau) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a defining example of the artist’s contribution to French printmaking during the late 19th century. Executed as a lithograph in 1895, the work was part of a series intended to visually accompany the musical compositions of Désiré Dihau, a close contemporary and frequent subject in Toulouse-Lautrec’s work.

Toulouse-Lautrec was pivotal in establishing the artistic legitimacy of the lithograph, utilizing the medium’s immediacy to translate observational sketches into widely reproducible prints. His style, characterized by fluid contour lines and compressed compositions, powerfully documented the culture and society of Belle Époque Paris. Although the original concept and execution occurred in 1895, this particular impression belongs to the complete suite published posthumously in 1935. This later publication confirms the lasting artistic significance of the series, grouping the pieces under the designation of an illustrated book.

The creation of the Christmas Ballad reflects the artist's ability to engage with diverse subject matter, contrasting with his famous theatrical and cabaret posters. The nature of the work, tied to a musical ballad associated with the holiday season, suggests an intimate scene, potentially depicting one of the quiet, interior moments that frequently occupied the French artist’s interest. Toulouse-Lautrec excelled at capturing figures in their private environments, using minimal detail to maximize psychological impact.

The work is an essential study piece illustrating the trajectory of graphic arts around the turn of the century. As a key example of Toulouse-Lautrec’s output, the Christmas Ballad is preserved within the extensive collection of prints and illustrated books at the Museum of Modern Art.