Entrée de Brasseur, dans Chilpéric

Entrée de Brasseur, dans Chilpéric is a powerful lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895. This print is a quintessential example of the artist's dedication to documenting the theatrical world of late 19th-century Paris, capturing the fleeting intensity of live performance through the graphic clarity of the medium. The technique employed showcases Lautrec's mastery of lithography, where his swift, incisive lines and subtle tonal variations convey atmosphere and motion with economic force.

The subject refers directly to a moment within a production of Chilpéric, an immensely popular comic operetta that was a staple of the French stage. The specific focus on the performer Brasseur highlights the celebrity culture and the unique personalities that defined the era. Toulouse-Lautrec excelled at distilling the essence of his subjects, rendering them slightly grotesque yet undeniably alive, reflecting his unsentimental perspective on the glamour and grit of urban entertainment in France. This commitment to modern, graphic reportage cemented his legacy among the leading artists of the post-Impressionist movement.

As a significant example of French prints from the fin de siècle, this piece demonstrates the power of reproductive media in disseminating art and commentary. The lithograph process allowed the artist to circulate his images widely, influencing graphic design and poster art globally. This key work, often referenced in studies examining late 19th-century theatrical documentation, is classified as a print and resides in the distinguished collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.