Jeanne, prends sans qu'on te voie . . . , from Le Rire, No. 129, 24 April 1897

Jeanne, prends sans qu'on te voie . . . , from Le Rire, No. 129, 24 April 1897 is a dynamic lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1897. This print is a quintessential example of the artist's prolific engagement with graphic arts and satirical journalism during the late 19th century, serving as an illustration in the popular Parisian weekly periodical Le Rire. As a commercial print intended for wide distribution, the work showcases the decisive, economical draftsmanship that characterizes Toulouse-Lautrec’s mature style, allowing for rapid communication of narrative and character.

The subject matter, typical of the artist’s oeuvre, focuses on the intimate, often suggestive, interactions between men and women in the complex social environment of Belle Époque Paris. While the specific figures are not named, the illustration captures the candid observation of high society and bohemian life, often featuring subjects drawn from the theater, café culture, and the private lives of the bourgeoisie. The composition utilizes the inherent qualities of the lithograph medium, employing bold outlines and stark contrasts to convey atmosphere and personality with immediate impact.

This seminal work is preserved in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is classified as a significant example of fin-de-siècle printmaking. The enduring historical importance of the piece, like many of Toulouse-Lautrec’s influential prints, underscores its value as both social commentary and high art. While this specific museum impression is meticulously preserved, the widespread circulation of such prints through publications like Le Rire ensures that related works and studies of this era are frequently accessible through institutional and public domain collections worldwide.