Program for La Lépreuse

The Program for La Lépreuse is a vibrant example of poster art, created in 1896 by the influential French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901). This significant print exemplifies the innovative techniques of the late 19th century Parisian art scene. Executed as a color lithograph on tan wove paper, the work captures the energy and immediacy typical of Lautrec’s commercial commissions.

Created in France during the height of the fin-de-siècle culture, this program advertised the production of La Lépreuse (The Leper Woman), likely for a dramatic performance or theatrical event. Toulouse-Lautrec was deeply immersed in the theatrical and cabaret life of Montmartre, and his ability to capture character and mood in rapid, sweeping lines made him the preeminent graphic artist for the entertainment world. He often used the lithography process to achieve painterly effects while maintaining the graphical clarity needed for commercial communication.

As a recognized master of the artistic print, Lautrec revolutionized graphic design by emphasizing flat color planes, deliberately cropped figures, and bold compositions. His distinct approach defined the style he perfected for modern advertising prints. These highly sought-after prints remain critical documents of French cultural and social history. This specific work is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it contributes to one of the world's most significant holdings of late 19th-century French graphic arts.