Mlle. Lender in "Madame Satan" (Mlle. Lender dans "Madame Satan")

Mlle. Lender in "Madame Satan" (Mlle. Lender dans "Madame Satan") is a characteristic lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894. This important print, rendered using a sophisticated palette of olive green ink on velin paper, exemplifies the artist's dedication to capturing the vibrant, often fleeting world of Parisian entertainment during the fin-de-siècle period from 1876 to 1900.

The subject is Marcelle Lender, a popular dancer and actress known for her appearances in operettas and comedies across Paris. Toulouse-Lautrec had a deep, almost obsessive fascination with Lender, portraying her multiple times. In this work, she is captured in costume for her role in the operetta Madame Satan, using a pose that highlights the dramatic flair and artificial energy of the stage performance. Unlike many of his French contemporaries, Toulouse-Lautrec devoted significant energy to the medium of the print and the affiche (poster), recognizing their power to communicate imagery rapidly and widely within the evolving culture of celebrity.

This particular impression showcases the refined economy of line and color that defined Toulouse-Lautrec's graphic style. His mastery of the lithographic technique allowed him to manipulate tonal depth and texture, transforming what might otherwise be a simple theatrical snapshot into a powerful character study. His ability to evoke personality and atmosphere with minimal detail positioned him as a central figure in Late 19th century graphic arts. The work resides within the distinguished collection of prints at the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and enthusiasts a definitive look into bohemian Parisian life. Due to its age and cultural significance, this artwork often falls under the public domain, making high-quality images and studies available for broader historical and artistic appreciation.