Artwork

Prospectus Programme de l'Oeuvre

Prospectus Programme de l'Oeuvre, by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, ink, 1895
Prospectus Programme de l'Oeuvre, by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, ink, 1895

Prospectus Programme de l'Oeuvre is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Prospectus Programme de l'Oeuvre is a three‑folded sheet printed in 1895 that served as a program for the Parisian theatre L’Oeuvre. The sheet combines textual information with six distinct prints, each created by a different artist, and functions as both a promotional document and a compact exhibition of contemporary printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The prospectus announces the theatrical season of L’Oeuvre, presenting the venue’s artistic agenda to potential audiences. By incorporating works from several leading illustrators, it underscores the theatre’s connection to the broader cultural milieu of fin‑de‑siècle Paris, where visual and performing arts often intersected.

Technique & Style

The six images employ a range of print techniques: a lithographic cover by Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec, a woodcut by Doudelet, a wood engraving by Denis, a woodcut by Félix Vallotton, and lithographs by Édouard Vuillard and Gandara. This variety showcases the period’s experimental approach to reproduction, contrasting the fluid, tonal qualities of lithography with the linear, textural effects of wood‑based processes.

History & Provenance

Issued in 1895, the prospectus reflects the collaborative spirit of the French printmaking community at the end of the 19th century. While the original distribution was limited to theatre patrons, later collections have acquired the sheet, preserving it as a document of both theatrical and graphic history.

Context

The inclusion of artists such as Toulouse‑Lautrec, Vallotton, and Vuillard situates the prospectus within the vibrant network of Parisian ateliers and salons. These creators were active participants in the Symbolist and Post‑Impressionist movements, and their involvement signals the theatre’s alignment with contemporary artistic trends.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Artist

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Comte Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Montfa (24 November 1864 – 9 September 1901), known as Toulouse-Lautrec (French: ), was a French painter, printmaker, draughtsman, caricaturist, and illustrator.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.