The Terror of Grenelle

"The Terror of Grenelle" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) is a distinctive color lithograph executed in 1894 on cream wove paper. This piece exemplifies the pivotal role Lautrec played in transforming the lithographic print from a primarily commercial medium into a respected art form. His innovative handling of the medium allowed him to achieve rich textural variations and saturated hues, creating compositions that feel immediate and energetic.

Produced during the dynamic Belle Époque in France, this work reflects the artist's profound engagement with the social and cultural realities of fin-de-siècle Paris. Lautrec was celebrated for his unflinching documentation of theaters, cabarets, and the less glamorous corners of Montmartre. While the subject matter of "The Terror of Grenelle" is specific to a person or event of the time-suggested by the dramatic title-it employs the same economy of line and vivid character study that define his broader output. Lautrec’s aesthetic borrows heavily from Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e), utilizing unconventional cropping and strong, expressive silhouettes.

As an essential example of late nineteenth-century graphic arts, this lithograph demonstrates Lautrec's dedication to capturing movement and personality with psychological depth. His work influenced subsequent generations of artists seeking to bridge fine art and popular culture. The existence of high-quality prints like this one allows for broad accessibility to his vision. This significant French print is preserved within the comprehensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a key reference point for the study of modern printmaking.