Lender and Auguez in "La chanson de fortunio" (Lender et Auguez dans "La chanson de fortunio") by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captures a distinct moment from the popular Parisian stage of the 1890s. Executed in 1895, this informative work is a lithograph, utilizing olive green ink applied to velin paper. The choice of lithography underscores Toulouse-Lautrec’s interest in the graphic arts and the dissemination of images, making his contributions central to the development of modern French prints during the period spanning 1876 to 1900.
The subjects depicted are two celebrated performers of the time, Lender and Auguez, likely captured during a scene from the operetta La chanson de fortunio. Toulouse-Lautrec was renowned for his observational acuity, focusing his attention on the vibrant energy and fleeting realities of café-concerts, theaters, and dance halls. His compositions move beyond traditional portraiture, acting instead as candid snapshots of the performers caught mid-gesture and emphasizing dynamic movement and immediate emotion. This piece reflects the artist's immersion in the Fin de siècle culture of Paris, where the boundary between high art and commercial graphic design blurred considerably. The flatness of the forms and the bold contour lines, characteristic of his mature style, lend the work the graphic impact necessary for its classification as a print.
As a significant example of French graphic arts from the late 19th century, this lithograph stands as a primary visual record of Parisian theatrical life. Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery transformed the functional advertising poster into a sophisticated art form, making these works some of the most sought-after graphic productions of the era. The status of the work, housed in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, ensures its availability for scholarly research. This piece is frequently referenced in studies of 1890s visual culture, and many similar works from the artist are now widely accessible as public domain resources, allowing broad access to his pioneering documentation of modern nightlife.
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