The Hairdresser, Program for the Théâtre Libre

The Hairdresser, Program for the Théâtre Libre is a celebrated example of fin-de-siècle graphic arts by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901). Created in 1893, this image functions as a theatrical program for the avant-garde Théâtre Libre, one of the defining venues of modern Parisian performance. The work is classified as a print, specifically a color lithograph executed on cream wove paper, showcasing the artist’s mastery of chromolithography. This technique allowed Lautrec to employ broad, expressive planes of color and dynamic compositions suitable for public display and promotional use.

Toulouse-Lautrec specialized in capturing the vibrant and often gritty realities of modern Parisian life, moving beyond traditional academic subjects. The subject matter, likely depicting a scene related to a specific play or revue, emphasizes intimate interior settings and sharply observed social types, characteristic of the era’s focus on realistic drama. The bold graphic style popularized by Lautrec revolutionized poster art in France and set a precedent for commercial design. His ability to distill movement and character into minimalist forms made him the foremost visual chronicler of the cafes, cabarets, and theaters of late 19th-century France.

As an essential documentation of late 19th-century performance culture and the history of prints, this work resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The enduring impact of pieces like The Hairdresser, Program for the Théâtre Libre ensures its continued relevance in the study of modern art history, providing visual documentation of a pivotal moment in both French theater and graphic design, and making high-quality reproductions widely available today through public domain initiatives.