Jane Avril

The iconic color lithograph, Jane Avril, was created in 1893 by the definitive Post-Impressionist chronicler of Parisian nightlife, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901. This exceptional example of early poster art is rendered as a print on tan wove paper using the complex and vibrant technique of color lithography. The medium allowed 1864-1901 to achieve painterly effects while producing works for mass distribution, a critical component of his documentation of fin-de-siècle France.

The subject of the work is the renowned cancan dancer and celebrated Montmartre entertainer, Jane Avril. Toulouse-Lautrec captures her distinctive profile and dynamic stage presence with his characteristic economy of line and strong graphic sensibility. The composition demonstrates a clear influence from Japanese ukiyo-e prints, a key factor shaping the visual aesthetics of the Post-Impressionism movement. The work functions simultaneously as high art and commercial advertisement, a crucial innovation that redefined the role of graphic arts in modern life. The bold, often cropped framing and dramatic use of negative space draw the viewer’s eye, reflecting the excitement and frenetic energy of Parisian cabarets and theaters.

This piece solidified 1864-1901 reputation as a master graphic artist, particularly through the sheer accessibility and impact afforded by his prints. Today, the compelling composition and striking design of Jane Avril remain highly recognized worldwide as a seminal image of modern celebrity and French culture. This valuable print resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars and the public access to this period-defining work. High-resolution scans and detailed images of this key lithograph are often found in the public domain, ensuring continued accessibility for educational study.