Supper in London

Supper in London by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901), created in 1896, stands as a prime example of the artist’s mastery of modern printmaking. Classified as a lithograph on cream wove paper, this work demonstrates Lautrec's technical innovation in transforming a commercial medium into high art. He was a central figure in late 19th-century France, renowned for documenting the vibrant, often cynical, social landscape of Montmartre and the emerging Parisian demi-monde.

Though ostensibly set in the English capital, the piece captures the intimate and sometimes claustrophobic atmosphere characteristic of the private social gatherings Lautrec observed. The composition relies on stark outlines and expressive caricature, prioritizing psychological insight over detailed naturalism. Unlike the traditional academic painting of the era, the work focuses on fleeting modern life, using simplified color fields and bold linear treatment to convey the mood of the dinner party.

Lautrec’s prolific output, specializing in prints and posters, ensured that his imagery reached a wide audience, cementing his status as one of the most influential graphic artists of his time. The accessibility of prints allowed for broad dissemination of his vision, and today, many of these iconic images, including this one, are widely shared in public domain art collections. This important print, Supper in London, is housed within the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.