Jane Avril

The work Jane Avril, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1893, is an important example of the artist’s contribution to late 19th-century French graphic arts. This piece is executed as a lithograph in black on velin paper and was produced as part of a significant portfolio. Toulouse-Lautrec, an expert in using the rapid and expressive nature of printmaking, focused his gaze on the popular entertainers and dancers who defined the vibrant nightlife of Paris during the period spanning 1876 to 1900.

The subject, Jane Avril (1868–1943), was one of the most famous can-can dancers of the era and a frequent muse and friend of the artist. Rather than offering a formal studio depiction, Toulouse-Lautrec captures Avril in an unguarded or characteristically dynamic pose, using highly controlled yet seemingly spontaneous lines to convey her distinctive personality. This approach allowed the French master to move beyond traditional portraiture and document the contemporary social landscape, ensuring that his prints resonated widely with the public.

As a designer of posters and a prolific printmaker, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the medium of the lithograph to achieve sharp contrasts and immediate impact, helping to elevate commercial imagery to the status of fine art. This specific impression of Jane Avril is a key example of the artist’s mastery, illustrating his profound ability to distill character through line economy. The original prints remain crucial documents for understanding the artistic and cultural climate of the fin de siècle. This piece is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Toulouse-Lautrec’s work.