Jeanne Hading

Jeanne Hading is a defining print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. Classified as a print, the work utilizes the technique of lithography, executed purely in black ink on cream-colored paper. This specific medium was central to the artist’s practice during the fin-de-siècle, allowing for mass distribution and sharp, expressive lines that captured the immediacy of contemporary Parisian life.

The piece belongs to the period designated as 1876 to 1900, encapsulating the dynamic visual culture of late 19th-century France. Toulouse-Lautrec was renowned for his commitment to documenting the performers, dancers, and actresses who dominated the public consciousness, moving fluidly between the elegance of high society and the gritty nightlife of Montmartre. Jeanne Hading, a well-known comedic and dramatic actress, was a fitting subject for the artist’s probing gaze.

As a master of the graphic arts, Toulouse-Lautrec elevated the status of the commercial poster and individual prints. His mastery of the delicate process of lithography is evident in the nuanced tones achieved using only black ink, which conveys the sitter’s form and psychological depth through abbreviated contour lines. The simplicity of this black-and-white presentation highlights the influence of Japanese woodblock prints, a major source of inspiration for French artists during this time. The speed and directness of the lithograph allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to produce a prolific body of work that defined the character of the era. This important example of the artist’s skill resides within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art.