Lullaby, from Mélodies de Désiré Dihau

Lullaby, from Mélodies de Désiré Dihau is an intimate lithograph created in 1895 by the highly influential French Post-Impressionist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901). This specific impression, executed on cream wove paper, exemplifies the artist's dedication to the graphic arts, a classification of prints in which he made some of his most profound contributions. Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the challenging medium of lithography to achieve nuanced lines and tonal depth, allowing him to transition seamlessly between commercial poster design and more private, fine art illustration.

The piece belongs to a series illustrating sheet music by Désiré Dihau, a bassoonist at the Paris Opéra and a close friend who often appeared in 1864-1901’s paintings. Unlike the vibrant, chaotic scenes of Parisian cabaret life for which he is most known, Lullaby captures a moment of domestic quietude or repose. The composition relies heavily on contour and gesture, characteristic of the artist’s mature style, emphasizing emotion through posture rather than excessive detail. The subject matter reflects the diverse range of life in fin-de-siècle France that 1864-1901 tirelessly documented.

As an enduring example of French graphic artistry, this work provides critical insight into the evolution of printmaking during the late 19th century. The piece is part of the extensive collection of prints housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a testament to the artist’s technical skill and his sophisticated approach to sequential illustration.