Menu Sylvain

The print Menu Sylvain by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901), executed in 1896, is a sophisticated example of the artist's contribution to applied graphic arts during the Belle Époque. Classified as a print, the work utilizes the color lithography technique, printed onto cream wove paper. Lautrec, a central figure in Parisian avant-garde circles, embraced the commercial potential of lithography, elevating advertising and everyday functional items, such as menus, to the level of fine art.

The creation of small, commissioned prints like this menu was vital to the vibrant visual culture of late 19th-century France. Though highly skilled in painting, Lautrec focused intensely on the medium of prints, developing an iconic style characterized by bold outlines, flat areas of color, and compositions often influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e woodcuts. This piece, likely designed for a specific dining establishment or social event, captures the refined yet often fleeting spirit of Parisian nightlife without relying on the overt celebrity portraits found in his large-scale posters.

Lautrec’s work helped define the aesthetic of the period, intertwining commercial design with high art. This specific piece demonstrates his technical mastery, controlling the alignment and saturation of multiple colors within the demanding lithographic process. As one of the most celebrated graphic artists of the era, the legacy of Lautrec continues to inspire. This important work is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, contributing to the museum's extensive holdings of 19th-century French prints. Researchers can frequently find high-quality images of such works, often available in the public domain, for academic study and appreciation.