Homage to Molière

Homage to Molière, created in 1897 by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, is a significant example of the artist’s mature graphic output. Classified as a print, the work was executed using the demanding process of color lithography on cream wove paper. This medium allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to translate his signature draftsmanship and observational skills into widely reproducible editions, elevating the status of the print within the late 19th-century French art market.

Lautrec specialized in capturing the ephemeral, celebrity-driven culture of fin de siècle Paris. Although the specific visual details in this Homage to Molière are subtle, the dedication ties the work directly to the rich theatrical and literary history of France, reflecting the era's simultaneous fascination with classical playwrights and contemporary cabaret life. As a master of the poster and fine art print, Toulouse-Lautrec elevated the color lithograph, employing bold outlines and vibrant, often flattened, color fields that prioritized expressive gesture and immediate character identification over academic realism. This graphic approach defined his artistic identity during the 1890s.

This 1897 work showcases the technical finesse Lautrec brought to printmaking, positioning him as a key figure bridging late Post-Impressionism and early Modernism in France. The enduring popularity of his graphic works has ensured that many of his images are now widely accessible in the public domain for study and appreciation. The color lithograph Homage to Molière is currently held in the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it stands as a canonical example of French printmaking from the close of the 19th century.