Schlomé Fuss in the Synagogue (Schlomé Fuss à la Synagogue)

Schlomé Fuss in the Synagogue (Schlomé Fuss à la Synagogue) is a rare and intimate lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1897 and formally published in 1898. As a powerful example of the artist’s late printmaking, this work deviates from his more typical vibrant cabaret scenes, focusing instead on psychological portraiture. The image captures Schlomé Fuss, a known Jewish writer and intellectual figure in Paris, within the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of a synagogue.

Toulouse-Lautrec employed the nuanced medium of lithography to achieve depth and texture through subtle shading, lending a profound sense of introspection to the sitter. The French master was known for his ability to render candid character studies, and here, he portrays Fuss with dignity and gravity. The composition is tightly focused, emphasizing the figure’s posture and expression, which conveys a sense of spiritual engagement appropriate to the setting.

Produced during a period when Toulouse-Lautrec’s health was failing, this print demonstrates a sustained dedication to graphic arts. The work stands as a key example of the artist's commitment to documenting the various facets of Parisian society at the close of the nineteenth century, including figures far removed from the public spectacle of Montmartre. This important impression of Schlomé Fuss in the Synagogue is housed in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, ensuring its availability for ongoing research into the history of prints. Its precise classification and documentation, dating to 1897, published 1898, contribute significantly to the understanding of this pivotal French artist’s final years.