Picnic

The color lithograph, Picnic, was created by the French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898. This intimate print exemplifies the artist's late career focus on capturing the leisurely, often private, moments of upper-class life in late nineteenth-century France. Utilizing the complex and time-intensive technique of color lithography on cream wove paper, Toulouse-Lautrec successfully translated the nuanced color palettes and sophisticated draftsmanship typically associated with painting into a repeatable graphic medium. The piece is classified simply as a print, reflecting the artist's dedication to this democratic art form.

As a master observer, Toulouse-Lautrec was skilled at documenting the social dynamics of his era. While better known for his dramatic posters depicting the energy of Montmartre nightlife, this work suggests a quieter, perhaps staged, social gathering outside the city bustle, characteristic of the casual outdoor events popular among the Parisian elite. The use of lithography allowed for quick production and ensured the broad distribution of his distinct style, influencing graphic arts both within France and internationally.

The enduring popularity and historical significance of Toulouse-Lautrec's contribution mean that many of his important prints, including works like Picnic, are now widely studied and available, often entering the public domain. This seminal example, created just three years before his death, resides in the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and represents the maturity of the artist's draftsmanship and his profound influence on modern visual culture.