Mme. Réjane

Mme. Réjane, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898, is a significant lithograph print produced near the culmination of the artist's brief but influential career. This work places itself firmly within the French artistic environment spanning the years 1876 to 1900, a period defined by rapid social change and the flourishing of mass-media visual culture. As a lithograph, the work demonstrates Toulouse-Lautrec’s exceptional facility with the medium, allowing him to produce highly expressive, graphic images suited for widespread dissemination as commemorative prints or posters.

The subject is the celebrated actress Gabrielle Réjane (1856-1920), a defining figure of the Parisian stage during the Belle Époque. Toulouse-Lautrec, who was dedicated to documenting the nightlife and performers of Montmartre, used his characteristic, fluid linework to convey Réjane’s commanding presence and dramatic intensity. Unlike traditional, formal portraiture, the piece emphasizes immediacy and character over elaborate detail. Toulouse-Lautrec’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects with minimal yet deliberate lines was pivotal in elevating commercial design to a respected art form and fundamentally defining the aesthetic of the period. The artist's distinctive style captures the dynamic spirit of French society and culture during the late 19th century.

The technical quality and historical significance of the print Mme. Réjane ensure its enduring relevance as an essential piece of Post-Impressionist graphic art. This specific impression is housed within the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Because of its age and cultural importance, this work, along with many other significant prints by the artist, is frequently studied and viewed. Its artistic merit has also allowed it to enter the public domain, making its revolutionary approach to graphic design and fine art widely accessible.