Tailpiece from Au Pied du Sinaï

The print titled Tailpiece from Au Pied du Sinaï by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) was created in 1897. This specific piece is a reproduction of a lithograph executed on cream wove paper, showcasing Lautrec's commitment to the graphic arts. Produced in France during the fin de siècle, this small, illustrative image served as a tailpiece-a decorative element often placed at the end of a chapter or a book section-for the publication Au Pied du Sinaï, a collection of sketches by Georges Clemenceau.

While Lautrec is renowned for his large-scale posters and depictions of Parisian nightlife, he was a prolific and innovative contributor to book illustration. His graphic style, characterized by simplified forms and expressive line work heavily influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, translated seamlessly into the reproductive medium of the lithograph. Even in this small print, the artist's signature economy of detail and masterful draftsmanship are clearly evident. The original design was one of ten lithographs Lautrec created for the 1898 edition of Clemenceau's observations about the Holy Land, commissioned by the publisher Henry Floury. The contemplative subject matter found in Tailpiece from Au Pied du Sinaï is distinct from the bustling scenes of dance halls and brothels usually associated with the artist, demonstrating the breadth of his thematic interests.

This type of graphic work reflects the importance of commercial prints during the late 19th century in France, contributing to the democratization of art distribution. As a key component of his illustrated oeuvre, this piece provides valuable insight into Lautrec's versatility beyond painting. The work resides in the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a fine example of French fin-de-siècle printmaking.