Snobbery

"Snobbery" is a compelling print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, after French, 1864-1901, in 1897. Classified as a print, the work utilizes the technique of color photorelief on coated ivory wove chine. This medium, combining photographic and relief printing processes, allowed Lautrec to capture the immediate and sometimes sardonic observations of Parisian life for which he is renowned. Produced in France near the turn of the century, this piece exemplifies the artist's characteristic focus on intimate social critique, contrasting sharply with the academic styles prevailing at the time.

The subject of the print speaks directly to the shifting social dynamics and rigid hierarchies prevalent in 1890s society. Although the specific scene depicted in Snobbery is often minimalist, the title itself dictates a satirical intent, highlighting the pretensions of the upper class. Lautrec, 1864-1901, consistently used his graphic works to dissect the hypocrisies and private moments of those occupying both high society and the demimonde. His skilled handling of the color photorelief process allowed for efficient reproduction and wide distribution of these insightful observations.

As a significant example of French graphic art, this piece demonstrates the power of reproductive prints to disseminate images and critical commentary broadly. The accessibility inherent in printmaking ensured that the social critiques produced by Toulouse-Lautrec reached a wide audience throughout France and beyond. This particular impression of Snobbery is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a valuable record of both fin-de-siècle printmaking innovations and the lasting legacy of the artist’s keen eye for human nature. Many such historical works are now available for study and reference as part of the growing effort to make classic prints and related material openly accessible in the public domain.