Entrance of Brasseur in "Chilperic" (Entrée de Brasseur dans "Chilpéric") by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a significant example of French graphic art created in 1895. The work is classified as a print, specifically executed as a lithograph in olive green. This choice of medium and distinct monochromatic palette reflects Toulouse-Lautrec’s sophisticated mastery of the printing process. Unlike traditional etching, lithography allowed the artist the freedom to draw directly onto the stone, resulting in quick reproduction and dissemination, a factor critical to his commercial and artistic success during the period spanning 1876 to 1900.
The subject matter focuses on the dynamic energy of Parisian performance culture. The piece depicts the theatrical performer Brasseur making an entrance, captured mid-action, likely during a run of the historical drama or operetta entitled Chilpéric. Toulouse-Lautrec was renowned for his ability to isolate and convey the psychological essence of his models. He frequently chronicled the world of the stage, specializing in portraits of actors, dancers, and musicians who populated Montmartre’s cabarets and theaters. This print utilizes the stark contrasts and simplified, angular forms characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s mature graphic style, emphasizing the drama of the scene through minimal, expressive lines and the single, unifying olive tone.
As one of the most important graphic artists of his era, Toulouse-Lautrec elevated the status of the poster and fine art prints. This particular impression of Entrance of Brasseur in "Chilperic" is part of the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work confirms the French artist’s lasting legacy as a pivotal figure who bridged fine art and popular culture during the late nineteenth century. Today, many of the master prints from this era are documented and occasionally available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to the artist's inventive methods.
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