Jane Avril, from Le Café-Concert by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a significant lithograph created in 1893, printed on ivory wove paper. Produced by Edward Ancourt & Cie and published by L'Estampe originale, this work is emblematic of the flourishing collaborative printmaking culture in France during the fin-de-siècle. Toulouse-Lautrec was a master of the lithographic medium, utilizing its versatility to achieve painterly effects and bold outlines suitable for commercial and artistic dissemination.
The artist often chronicled the vibrant Parisian nightlife, focusing intensely on the performers and personalities who defined the city's entertainment landscape. Jane Avril, a renowned cancan dancer and fixture of venues like the Moulin Rouge, was among Toulouse-Lautrec’s most frequent and insightful subjects. This particular piece captures the dancer in a characteristic pose, illustrating the dynamic, often solitary, energy observed within the café-concert environment. The economic clarity of the lines and forms demonstrates the artist's deep understanding of how to convey character through minimal visual means.
As an important example of graphic arts from the period, the piece solidified Toulouse-Lautrec’s influence on modern poster design and the enduring popularity of artistic prints. Its historical significance ensures that high-quality reproductions are commonly available in the public domain. This historic French print, a vital document of 1890s culture, resides within the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.