The Milliner (La Modiste - Renée Vert)

The Milliner (La Modiste - Renée Vert) is a key graphic work created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1893. This compelling portrait, classified as a print, utilizes the medium of lithography executed entirely in green ink. It stands as an important example of the artist’s dedication to capturing the intimate, everyday lives of Parisians during the vibrant and volatile period of the fin de siècle.

As a central figure in French art during the late 19th century, Toulouse-Lautrec frequently documented the theaters, cabarets, and working-class interiors of Montmartre. Unlike the theatrical scenes for which he is most famous, this work offers a quiet observation of a young woman identified as Renée Vert, a milliner (modiste). The choice of lithography allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to translate his characteristic quick, expressive lines and cropped compositions into a medium suitable for reproduction. The limited palette, restricted to various shades of green, heightens the psychological intensity of the portrait, emphasizing form and expression over realistic color.

This lithograph is stylistically representative of the period spanning 1876 to 1900, demonstrating a departure from academic realism toward the simplified forms and bold graphic quality often found in Post-Impressionist prints. Toulouse-Lautrec’s economical use of line defines the figure and her surroundings, suggesting volume and space with minimal manipulation of tone.

The work remains a celebrated piece of graphic art, reflecting the artist’s unique ability to merge commercial art techniques with high artistic purpose. This important French print is housed in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Like many historically significant works in major institutions, reproductions of this masterpiece are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing broader study of Toulouse-Lautrec's influential output.