Jane Hading, from Treize Lithographies

Jane Hading, from Treize Lithographies by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, is a significant example of the artist's mature printmaking practice, executed in 1898. Produced as a lithograph on ivory laid paper, this work captures the distinct atmosphere of fin-de-siècle Paris. Lautrec, known for his incisive observations of modern life, focused intensely on the performers and personalities who dominated the stages and cabarets of France. This piece belongs to the specific portfolio known as Treize Lithographies (Thirteen Lithographs), a collection that cemented the artist's reputation as a master graphic portraitist.

The medium of lithograph allowed the artist to achieve subtle tonal variations and dynamic lines, a technique perfectly suited for the rapid capture of theatrical figures. The subject, Jane Hading (1859-1941), was a highly renowned French actress celebrated for her roles in serious dramas. Unlike some of 1864-1901's more frenetic depictions of dancers, this portrait suggests a moment of quiet intensity or backstage contemplation, highlighting Hading's sophisticated profile. The technical quality of the lithograph demonstrates the artist's mastery of the medium late in his career.

The Art Institute of Chicago holds this important impression, preserving a key example of the French master’s graphic output. Through his comprehensive skill, 1864-1901 elevated the commercial print to the level of high art, ensuring that images of contemporary celebrity circulated widely. Today, detailed views of this historic artwork are often available through public domain initiatives, providing researchers and enthusiasts access to essential fin-de-siècle documentation.