The Old Gentlemen

"The Old Gentlemen" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901 is a nuanced lithograph created in 1894, offering an intimate perspective on Parisian social life during the fin-de-siècle. As a primary chronicler of this transformative period in France, Toulouse-Lautrec moved seamlessly between high society and the city's bohemian fringes, often utilizing the emerging potential of printmaking to disseminate his observations widely.

This work is an excellent example of the artist’s mastery of the lithographic medium, executed specifically on cream wove paper. Lautrec embraced this classification of prints, valuing its immediacy and ability to capture the swift, expressive contours that define his graphic style. Unlike his more flamboyant poster commissions, The Old Gentlemen is characterized by a subdued palette and composition, focusing solely on the interaction and demeanor of the subjects. The technique highlights the artist’s skill in depicting character and social class through posture and minimal line work, demonstrating a psychological depth rare in the commercial art of the era.

As a key piece of 19th-century French graphic arts, this influential work is held in the prestigious collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The availability inherent in the medium of prints has cemented Lautrec’s legacy, ensuring that his visual documentation of Parisian life remains vital. This piece stands as a significant historical artifact, frequently studied today, with high-quality versions and data often made available through public domain collections for research and educational purposes worldwide.