The Cover for Au pied du Sinaï by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) is a significant example of fin-de-siècle graphic arts. Created in 1897, this highly effective print utilizes the complex and expressive technique of color lithography applied to cream wove paper. This medium was central to the artist’s prolific career, allowing him to rapidly disseminate his unique visual style across France through posters and commercial publications.
Toulouse-Lautrec was instrumental in elevating the artistic status of the lithographic print, transforming commercial illustration into a dynamic art form recognized internationally. While the specific subject matter of Au pied du Sinaï relates to the text it accompanied, the composition itself is instantly recognizable through the artist’s signature aesthetic: bold outlines, abbreviated details, and large, flattened planes of color. This style reflects the contemporary influence of Japanese woodcuts (ukiyo-e), which provided a framework for modern graphic design across Europe.
This work serves as crucial documentation of Lautrec’s involvement with the vibrant publishing culture of late 19th-century Paris. The piece is classified as a print and resides within the comprehensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, illustrating the critical role the artist played in bridging fine art and popular media. Due to the antiquity of the work, prints and reproductions of this period are often considered key public domain resources for scholars studying the history of French graphic arts and modern advertising.
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