Mlle. Marcelle Lender, Standing (Mlle. Marcelle Lender, debout)

Mlle. Marcelle Lender, Standing (Mlle. Marcelle Lender, debout) is a distinctive lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895. This French print, executed in a sophisticated olive green ink, showcases the artist’s mastery of graphic media and his central role in defining the aesthetic of the Belle Époque. Toulouse-Lautrec pioneered techniques that elevated the status of the print from commercial advertisement to fine art, particularly through his innovative use of lithography to capture nuanced details and expressive characterizations.

Created near the chronological end of the period spanning 1876 to 1900, the work depicts the celebrated stage performer Marcelle Lender. Toulouse-Lautrec was deeply immersed in the world of Parisian nightlife and entertainment, frequently choosing dancers, singers, and actors as his primary subjects. Here, he captures Lender in a moment of dramatic repose, emphasizing her iconic silhouette and the costuming that defined her public persona. The limited color palette focuses the viewer’s attention entirely on the figure and the dynamic energy inherent in the composition, despite the static posture.

This lithograph serves as a crucial example of how Toulouse-Lautrec’s vision transformed portraiture by integrating techniques learned from Japanese prints and modern poster design. His ability to distill a subject’s essence with minimal, yet powerful, lines made his works instantly recognizable. This original impression of the print resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, forming part of its significant holdings of late 19th century European graphic art. As this masterwork is often digitized by institutions, high-quality prints and references are regularly made available to the public through programs promoting access to works considered within the public domain.