Cléo de Mérode, from Treize Lithographies

Cléo de Mérode, from Treize Lithographies, is a significant print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, in 1898. This composition utilizes the demanding technique of lithography, executed on a sheet of cream wove paper. As a leading chronicler of Parisian nightlife and culture in late 19th-century France, Toulouse-Lautrec frequently captured the era’s most notable celebrities and entertainers.

The subject, Cléo de Mérode, was one of the most famous dancers and beauties of the Belle Époque, known worldwide for her elegance and distinctive hairstyle. Lautrec’s decision to portray her in this intimate manner reflects his dedication to capturing the individuals who defined bohemian Paris, moving beyond traditional portraiture to document the emerging world of celebrity. This piece is classified as a fine-art print, demonstrating Lautrec’s mastery of graphic media alongside his celebrated paintings and drawings.

This particular impression belongs to a small series known as Treize Lithographies (Thirteen Lithographs). Lautrec’s approach to printmaking often featured rapid, expressive lines and broad, tonal washes, capturing the immediate energy and personality of his subjects. The work stands as a powerful example of the sophisticated graphic arts being produced in France at the turn of the century. The creation of such prints allowed for wider dissemination, providing greater access to Lautrec’s unique artistic vision. High-quality images of important prints like Cléo de Mérode are sometimes made available through public domain initiatives by major institutions. This key example of French printmaking is currently held in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.