Le crocodile, Menu by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901 is a distinctive example of graphic design created in Paris during the height of the Belle Époque. Produced in 1896, this artwork is a lithograph, printed on cream wove paper, a medium Lautrec utilized extensively to revolutionize the role of commercial prints and advertising art.
As indicated by the title, this piece was designed as a decorative menu, reflecting the sophisticated culture of dining and entertainment prevalent in France at the end of the 19th century. Lautrec frequently blurred the lines between high art and ephemeral graphic materials, transforming common objects like menus and programs into highly collectible works. The subject matter, featuring a crocodile, likely suggests a humorous or exotic theme chosen for a specific Parisian restaurant or special event, showcasing the artist’s characteristic wit and observation.
The classification as a print underscores the commercial and mass-producible nature of the work, though Lautrec's masterful execution elevates the piece beyond mere utility. The technique of lithography allowed Lautrec to achieve the fluid, expressive line work and bold compositional simplicity that defined his signature style.
This impression of Le crocodile, Menu serves as a vital document of the fin-de-siècle French printing culture and the avant-garde design approach of the era. This significant work resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is referenced for the study of European graphic arts and the enduring legacy of Lautrec's prints.
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