Lender, Fontal View, in "Chilpéric" (Lender de face, dans "Chilpéric")

Lender, Fontal View, in "Chilpéric" (Lender de face, dans "Chilpéric") is a significant lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895. This striking print captures the noted performer known simply as Lender in their role within the revival of Hervé’s popular operetta Chilpéric, staged at the Théâtre des Variétés in Paris.

Toulouse-Lautrec was deeply immersed in documenting Parisian nightlife and the world of the café-concert and theatrical performance. The lithographic medium allowed the artist to translate the immediacy and graphic dynamism of the stage onto paper, capturing the essence of the character and the performer’s dramatic presence. The artist’s style, known for its bold outlines and economy of detail, reflects influences from Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, imparting a sense of flatness and graphic power to the figure. Rather than aiming for traditional portrait realism, Toulouse-Lautrec focused on expressive gesture and the dramatic use of costume and theatrical makeup that defined Lender’s character in the 1895 production.

Dating precisely to 1895, this work exemplifies the French post-Impressionist approach to illustrative and graphic design at the close of the nineteenth century. Toulouse-Lautrec frequently blurred the lines between high art and commercial poster design, viewing the popular entertainments of his era as vital subject matter. The dynamic composition and textural quality are characteristic of the artist’s oeuvre, particularly his commitment to documenting the ephemeral energy of Paris’s entertainment venues.

This impression of Lender, Fontal View, in "Chilpéric" highlights the innovative spirit of modern printmaking and graphic arts. It is recognized globally for its cultural and historical importance and resides within the distinguished collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).