Polin, from Treize Lithographies

"Polin, from Treize Lithographies" is a distinctive lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) in 1898. Produced late in the artist's relatively short career, this print exemplifies his sophisticated use of line work characteristic of the Belle Époque. The impression, rendered expertly through the process of lithography on cream wove paper, demonstrates the artist's profound command of the graphic arts. This work was published as part of the influential portfolio, Treize Lithographies (Thirteen Lithographs), cementing Lautrec’s legacy as a master printmaker.

Lautrec spent his career chronicling the vibrant social life of fin-de-siècle France, focusing intensely on the cabaret performers, singers, and marginalized figures of Montmartre. Unlike many contemporary artists, Lautrec employed the commercial medium of prints to capture and disseminate these intimate, often psychologically acute, portraits. This piece, Polin, likely depicts a contemporary stage performer, utilizing the artist's signature technique of sparse but impactful composition and dramatic cropping, often emphasizing the subject’s costume or expression. Lautrec’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects with minimal color and maximal impact defined modern French graphic design.

Reflecting the artist's profound influence, the work remains an essential example of late 19th-century art. This particular impression of the lithograph is held within the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, making it available for study and reference. Because of the age and enduring cultural importance of the artwork, high-quality images of these seminal prints by Toulouse-Lautrec are frequently available through public domain resources, allowing students and enthusiasts worldwide access to the core achievements of this pivotal French artist.