Madame Réjane

Madame Réjane is a significant color lithograph created by the French master Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) in 1898. Executed on ivory laid paper, this print showcases the late 19th-century mastery of the printmaking process during the Belle Époque era in France. The work exemplifies Lautrec's dedication to capturing the vibrant theatrical and cabaret life that defined Parisian culture at the turn of the century.

The subject, Madame Réjane (1856-1920), was one of the era’s most celebrated theatrical performers, known for her expressive acting and magnetic stage presence. Lautrec frequently immortalized the major personalities of Montmartre's entertainment venues and nightlife. This classification as a print highlights the artist’s groundbreaking use of commercial printing techniques to elevate poster art to the status of fine art. Lautrec's distinctive use of simplified form and dramatic line captures the energy and psychological depth of his sitter, moving beyond simple portraiture.

As a color lithograph, this piece demonstrates Lautrec’s innovative approach to color separation and compositional structure. The technical clarity achieved in this specific impression is characteristic of the high quality sought in fine art prints of the period. This important work is part of the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, making the study of Lautrec's contributions to modern graphic arts widely accessible. Many significant prints, which document pivotal moments in French visual culture, are now made available through public domain initiatives for educational and research use, allowing broad access to the work of this essential French Post-Impressionist master.