The Hairdresser - Program for the Théâtre Libre (Le coiffeur - Programme du Théâtre Libre)

The Hairdresser - Program for the Théâtre Libre (Le coiffeur - Programme du Théâtre Libre) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1893, stands as a seminal example of French commercial poster art from the period spanning 1876 to 1900. Produced for the Théâtre Libre, an experimental venue known for its dedication to naturalism in theater, this image captures the atmosphere of modern Parisian leisure and commerce that defined Toulouse-Lautrec’s greatest works.

The technique utilized is a sophisticated lithograph, executed in three colors: green-black, yellow, and red. This mastery of chromolithography allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to achieve immediate visual impact with limited color palettes, a necessity for mass-produced programs and posters. The composition features an intimate interior scene, depicting a client seated in a chair while a hairdresser attends to her. The artist’s signature use of simplified forms and dynamic, angular lines elevates the commonplace subject matter to the level of high art, distinguishing his œuvre from that of his contemporaries.

Toulouse-Lautrec was instrumental in popularizing the use of prints as fine art during the late nineteenth century. His frequent commissions for theaters and cabarets, including this program, cemented his legacy as a chronicler of urban life, particularly the private and often overlooked interactions within the entertainment and service industries of Montmartre.

As a significant example of French graphic design, this piece provides valuable insight into the visual culture of the fin de siècle. Today, this iconic work is classified as a print within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. High-quality prints of such historically important designs often fall within the public domain following lengthy curatorial efforts, ensuring their continued accessibility for study and appreciation.