Jeanne Granier, from Treize Lithographies

Jeanne Granier, from Treize Lithographies is a compelling lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901 in 1898. This particular impression, rendered on ivory laid paper, is one of the thirteen works that comprise the acclaimed suite, Treize Lithographies. Lautrec, a pivotal figure in Post-Impressionism, dedicated his brief but prolific career to capturing the energy and characters of modern Parisian life, particularly the dancers, performers, and celebrities who frequented the city’s theaters and cabarets.

The subject, Jeanne Granier, was a renowned French actress celebrated for her comedic talent and vivacious stage presence during the Belle Époque. Lautrec’s approach to portraiture rejected academic ideals, instead favoring swift, expressive lines and bold compositional choices that often borrowed from Japanese woodblock prints and emerging graphic art styles. The artist masterfully exploits the lithographic medium, allowing the texture of the laid paper to contribute an intimate, slightly raw quality to Granier's depiction. This work exemplifies Lautrec’s commitment to raising the status of prints from mere commercial illustration to significant artistic expression.

Many of the prints created by Lautrec during this era served as vital visual documentation of late 19th-century France. The enduring quality and technical innovation of this piece ensure its place as a cornerstone of the artist’s graphic production. This original lithograph is preserved as part of the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historical masterwork now frequently entering the public domain, Jeanne Granier, from Treize Lithographies continues to be celebrated for its insightful portrayal of the era's theatrical celebrity.