The Arton Trial (first plate)

The Arton Trial (first plate) is a powerful lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, in 1896. This work, classified as a print, exemplifies the artist’s commitment to capturing the immediate, often gritty realities of contemporary Parisian life. Executed on tan wove paper and subsequently laid down on fine cream Japan tissue, the technical complexity of the lithograph demonstrates Toulouse-Lautrec's complete mastery of the medium. The year 1896 places this piece firmly within the peak of his career, documenting a pivotal moment in the political and judicial history of France.

This particular plate captures the tense atmosphere surrounding the legal proceedings of Henri Arton, who was being tried for fraud related to the notorious Panama scandal. Toulouse-Lautrec's unique observational style allows him to depict the participants-judges, lawyers, and spectators-with immediacy, transforming a journalistic event into a potent artistic statement. The artist often used prints and illustrated periodicals to disseminate his observations widely, contributing significantly to the popular culture of the fin-de-siècle period. This piece is part of a larger series documenting the trial, reflecting Toulouse-Lautrec's consistent fascination with contemporary media and sensational events. Today, high-quality images of this historic work are often available through public domain initiatives, allowing researchers and art enthusiasts worldwide to study these important prints. The work resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key example of Post-Impressionist graphic work.