"Cycle Michael" is a dynamic brush lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) in 1896. This striking work, classified as a print, is rendered in olive green ink applied to tan wove paper, a common format for commercial posters and illustrations during the Belle Époque in France.
Toulouse-Lautrec was instrumental in redefining the art of graphic advertising, transforming the lithograph from a simple reproductive tool into a powerful artistic medium. The work exemplifies his signature style: simplified forms, limited color palettes chosen for maximum visibility, and an emphasis on movement and immediacy. Although the exact subject remains subtle, the title suggests a focus on cycling, a rapidly expanding and commercially important sport and mode of transport in 1890s Paris.
As a master of the print medium, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the unique qualities of brush lithography to achieve painterly effects while retaining the bold graphic qualities necessary for street advertisements. The fluidity of the line work and the distinctive color scheme of Cycle Michael reflect the vitality of French urban life that the artist so often documented. This print holds an important place in the history of graphic design and is currently housed within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As many of these masterworks have entered the public domain, high-quality reproductions of these historic prints remain available for study.
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