The Chatelaine, or 'Le Tocsin'

The Chatelaine, or 'Le Tocsin', created in 1895 by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901), is a defining example of the artist’s prolific graphic output during the height of the Parisian fin-de-siècle. Executed as a color lithograph on tan wove paper, this work showcases Lautrec's technical innovations in printmaking, utilizing the medium’s flexibility to achieve stark contrasts and subtle tonal depth. The artist layered colors carefully to define form, moving beyond simple black-and-white illustration to create visually complex, emotionally resonant prints.

Lautrec was deeply immersed in the social dynamics and cultural ferment of France, often observing and documenting the celebrities and denizens of Montmartre. Although the figure in The Chatelaine is not specifically a portrait of a known performer, the title, which translates alternately as "The Lady of the Castle" or the warning signal "The Alarm Bell," suggests a character study exploring themes of social stature and perhaps imminent disruption. The composition uses the artist’s signature style of bold, decisive outlines and expressive, almost caricatural features, capturing a moment of focused, possibly anxious, intensity.

This exceptional print remains an essential reference point for the study of Post-Impressionist graphic arts. Lautrec’s pioneering use of the lithographic process helped elevate the status of commercial posters and fine art prints, broadening the distribution of art to a wider public audience. The original print resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historic work created in the 19th century, high-resolution images of this piece are frequently available for scholarly use and are considered to be in the public domain.