Polaire

Polaire, a celebrated lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1897, captures the essence of late 19th-century Parisian performance culture. Executed in black ink on velin paper, this print exemplifies Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery of graphic art during the final years of the period spanning 1876 to 1900. Known for his candid and often unflattering depictions of café society, singers, and actors, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the lithographic medium to rapidly disseminate his observations, bridging the gap between fine art and commercial advertisement.

The subject of this striking French work is Polaire (Émilie Marie Bouchaud, 1874-1939), a highly popular and unconventional singer and actress of the Belle Époque. Toulouse-Lautrec captures her distinct, stylized appearance, known for her remarkably slender waist, dramatic makeup, and intense gaze. This work, considered one of his definitive portrayals of celebrity, focuses entirely on the subject’s face and expression, giving the piece an intimate, almost confrontational immediacy. Unlike his famous theatrical posters, this lithograph operates as a focused portrait, relying on sharp contrasts and energetic lines characteristic of the artist’s mature style.

As a print, Polaire showcases the technical brilliance that established Toulouse-Lautrec as one of the great printmakers of the 19th century. His efficient use of the black medium emphasizes form through silhouette and texture rather than color, reinforcing the dramatic flair associated with the Parisian stage. The creation of such prints allowed broader access to his work, and many pieces from this period are now available in the public domain. This important lithograph is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it serves as a key example of modern French graphic design and celebrity portraiture from the turn of the century.