The Arton Trial (third plate)

The Arton Trial (third plate) is a significant lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, in 1896. This piece, classified as a print, showcases Lautrec's distinctive handling of the medium, executed on tan wove paper and carefully laid down upon delicate cream Japan tissue. This technical complexity facilitated the immediacy necessary for the artist to capture contemporary events, reflecting the flourishing print culture of late nineteenth-century France.

The subject matter refers to a notorious 1896 legal proceeding that captivated French society. Lautrec, an astute chronicler of Paris during the Belle Époque, often turned his gaze toward public scandal and institutional drama. Unlike his more famous commercial posters, this work operates closer to visual journalism, documenting the atmosphere, participants, and observers within the courtroom setting. The print powerfully conveys the tension and formal gravity inherent in judicial proceedings of the period, demonstrating Lautrec’s ability to find dramatic subject matter in everyday life.

Lautrec's commitment to visual reportage resulted in a powerful sequence of images surrounding this high-profile case. These works are critical examples within his larger body of prints, demonstrating his versatility and narrative skill. This specific impression of The Arton Trial (third plate) is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a testament to the artist's deep engagement with the social and judicial history of France. Such important historical prints are frequently made available for study through public domain initiatives, allowing wider access to the artist's legacy.