The Smoked Herring, from Mélodies de Désiré Dihau

The Smoked Herring, from Mélodies de Désiré Dihau by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901), is a compelling example of late 19th-century French graphic art. Executed in 1895, this classification of Print utilizes the medium of lithograph on cream wove paper. Lautrec, already recognized internationally for his vivid depictions of Parisian nightlife, expertly employed the lithographic process to achieve textural richness and tonal variation, lending subtlety to this seemingly simple still life.

This particular work was created as part of a musical suite commissioned by Lautrec's close friend, the musician Désiré Dihau. While Lautrec is famously associated with the bold, dynamic advertising posters of Montmartre, this piece offers a quieter perspective, focusing on an everyday, characteristic culinary subject. The work exemplifies the artist's ability to imbue mundane objects with psychological resonance, utilizing his characteristic economy of line and sophisticated compositional arrangement. The inherent intimacy and directness of the image reflect the aesthetic concerns prevalent among progressive artists in France during the fin de siècle.

The nuanced rendering and masterful technique affirmed Lautrec’s status not only as a draughtsman but as a technical innovator within the field of prints. This historical print provides valuable insight into the broader scope of the artist’s output beyond his cabaret studies. The Smoked Herring is maintained within the prestigious collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key reference for the study of French graphic arts and lithography. As the work is widely studied, high-quality reproductions are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring access to this masterwork.