Jeanne Granier, from Treize Lithographies

"Jeanne Granier, from Treize Lithographies" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) is a significant example of fin-de-siècle French prints. Executed in 1898, the work is a lithograph printed on cream wove paper, showcasing the artist's refined mastery of the demanding graphic medium. This piece belongs to the series Treize Lithographies (Thirteen Lithographs), a collection that highlights Lautrec's keen interest in documenting the performers and personalities of Parisian nightlife in France during the Belle Époque.

The subject, Jeanne Granier, was a highly celebrated stage actress and singer whose career defined the entertainment landscape of her era. Lautrec frequently immortalized the popular figures of Montmartre, utilizing the immediacy of the lithographic technique to capture Granier’s characteristic profile and gesture. This particular print emphasizes the economy of line and the subtle tonal variations achievable through the printing process. Lautrec’s approach revolutionized the status of prints, transforming them from mere reproductive art into major expressive works prized for their aesthetic merit.

As one of the preeminent draftsmen of his generation, Lautrec created images that visually defined the complex social culture of late nineteenth-century France. The enduring appeal of the artist’s work ensures its continued study and reproduction. This original impression resides in the respected collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key example of French graphic arts during the 1890s. High-resolution images of the work are often made available to the public domain through the museum's digital initiatives, facilitating scholarship on the artist and his celebrated prints.