Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto]

Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto] is a key lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895. This French print exemplifies the artist’s dedication to capturing the vibrant, often harsh, reality of Parisian nightlife during the late 19th century. Toulouse-Lautrec, himself a fixture in the entertainment venues of Montmartre, utilized the medium of lithography to achieve spontaneous, graphic vitality suitable for broad dissemination, often blurring the lines between commercial poster art and fine art prints.

The subjects of the work, the English clown George Footit and the Cuban-French performer Rafael Padilla, known as Chocolat, were one of the most famous acts in Paris. They specialized in highly physical, slapstick comedy, and Toulouse-Lautrec frequently documented their performances at venues like the Nouveau Cirque. This piece captures the distinct visual dynamic between the two performers—Footit the stern, white-faced straight man, and Chocolat, whose career symbolized complex racial dynamics within fin de siècle entertainment.

The period between 1876 to 1900 marked a definitive shift toward modern graphic arts, and Toulouse-Lautrec was instrumental in elevating printmaking to a high art form. His mastery of line and tone allows the viewer an unromanticized glimpse into the professional lives and social dynamics of the performers he celebrated. The economical composition typical of Toulouse-Lautrec’s works ensures the focus remains squarely on the interaction between the figures. This compelling impression, a testament to the cultural scene of its era, resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a major work from this crucial period of French art history, the image often falls into the category of public domain art, ensuring its continued study and appreciation globally.