The Motorist

"The Motorist," created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, in 1896, is a compelling example of fin-de-siècle graphic art. Executed as a lithograph on cream wove paper, this print showcases the artist’s mastery of a medium he helped elevate from a commercial process to a fine art form. Lautrec was a leading figure in the revitalization of the art print in France, recognizing the power of lithography to capture the immediacy and energy of modern life in Paris.

The subject matter reflects the dramatic changes occurring in France during the late nineteenth century. While Toulouse-Lautrec is most often associated with the interiors of cabarets and dance halls, this work turns its attention to the rapid industrial innovations and the emerging culture of speed. The piece captures the thrill and novelty associated with early automobile travel, a symbol of modernity that was reshaping urban leisure and transport in the Belle Époque. Lautrec utilizes a sophisticated compositional structure, characterized by dynamic lines and bold contrasts, typical of his graphic output, allowing him to distill the essence of motion and technological novelty.

This significant French print is classified within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The lasting influence of Lautrec’s graphic style ensured that his work became highly reproducible. Though created more than a century ago, the importance of this work means that high-quality reproductions and prints of this masterpiece are frequently studied and made available through public domain initiatives worldwide.