So You are Experienced?

The work So You are Experienced? by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, after French, 1864-1901, dates from 1897. Classified as a print, this piece utilizes the technique of color photorelief applied to coated ivory wove paper. Photorelief was a sophisticated mechanical process in the late 19th century, enabling the color reproduction and mass dissemination of artworks that were often originally paintings, drawings, or preparatory sketches. This specific print demonstrates the artist's engagement with emerging print technologies to broaden the reach of his distinctive graphic style.

Created during a highly productive period for the Post-Impressionist master, the 1897 print reflects the specific cultural dynamics of fin-de-siècle France. Though much of 1864-1901’s fame rests on his iconic lithographic posters documenting the nightlife of Montmartre, this work shows his characteristic focus on intimate human interaction and candid observation. The directness of the composition aligns with 1864-1901’s preference for unvarnished, unsentimental portrayals of his subjects.

The existence of high-quality color prints like this allowed the artist’s unique perspective on modern French society to reach a broader audience, solidifying his reputation outside of the immediate circles of Paris. This example of So You are Experienced? is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, forming part of their significant holdings of late 19th-century European graphic arts.