Lender and Lavallière, in Le Fils de L'Arétin

Lender and Lavallière, in Le Fils de L'Arétin is a dynamic lithograph created in 1895 by the renowned French artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901). This work is classified as a print, demonstrating Lautrec’s signature mastery of the graphic medium during the height of the fin-de-siècle era in France. Executed on tan wove paper, the composition was subsequently laid down onto white laid Japanese paper, a common technique employed at the time to stabilize or enhance the presentation of fine prints.

Lautrec specialized in capturing the vibrant, often raw, backstage world and celebrated nightlife of Paris. This particular subject, focusing on the figures of Lender and Lavallière, likely documents prominent actors or dancers associated with the stage production titled Le Fils de L'Arétin. Lautrec utilized the lithographic format not only for exhibition and fine art purposes but also extensively for promotional posters, making his prints critical historical documents of French popular culture and performance art. His dedication to capturing the psychology of his subjects and presenting candid, unidealized views of modern life differentiates his approach from many of his artistic contemporaries.

As a prolific chronicler of modern urban life, the artist produced an immense body of graphic work that defined the era. This exceptional example of his prints is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, contributing significantly to their holdings of late 19th-century French graphic arts. Due to the lasting cultural significance of artists like Lautrec, many high-resolution images of his works are frequently made available to the public under public domain guidelines, ensuring continued study and appreciation globally.