The Madman (Le fou) from Quatorze lithographies originales (Mélodies de Désiré Dihau)

The Madman (Le fou) from Quatorze lithographies originales (Mélodies de Désiré Dihau) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a defining work executed in the medium of lithograph. Created originally in 1895, this expressive piece was published four decades later in 1935 as part of an illustrated book collection. This French print captures the artist’s characteristic focus on the isolated figure, offering a stark psychological portrait that typified his engagement with Parisian society at the close of the 19th century.

Toulouse-Lautrec was a master of the graphic arts, utilizing the technical versatility of the lithograph to achieve both delicate nuance and powerful directness. This work employs minimal composition, allowing the stark lines and subtle shading to emphasize the subject’s demeanor. As an illustration commissioned for the Mélodies de Désiré Dihau, the image provides visual commentary or accompaniment to the musical compositions, a common practice in the collaborative artistic environment of 1890s France.

The inherent reproducibility of prints made works like this widely accessible, solidifying Toulouse-Lautrec’s reputation as a key figure in modern graphic design and fine art prints. Although the original work was created in 1895, the 1935 publication date ensured its legacy as a fully realized volume. The depiction in The Madman (Le fou) moves beyond simple caricature, offering an empathetic yet unsparing look at human eccentricity, consistent with the artist's overall dedication to documenting the human condition without idealization.

This pivotal work of illustration and graphic design is part of the extensive collection held by the Museum of Modern Art, where it serves as a critical example of the intersection between French Symbolism, Post-Impressionism, and the emerging modern art movements of the period 1895, published 1935.