The Coiffure (Playbill for the Théâtre Libre) 1893

This playbill for the Théâtre Libre was made by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the late 19th century, using lithography. It’s an interesting process; the artist draws on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treats the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. Toulouse-Lautrec was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes labor of Parisian nightlife. Here, he depicts a private moment of grooming. Look closely, and you’ll notice that he used thin, expressive lines, capturing the textures of hair and fabric with remarkable economy. The soft, muted colors add to the intimate atmosphere, as if we are seeing a fleeting glimpse into the lives of these women. But it’s not just a pretty picture. Toulouse-Lautrec made many of his prints as posters. Lithography was a relatively inexpensive method that aided the rise of mass culture. It enabled artists to reach a broad audience and to make a living through commercial work. By embracing this medium, Toulouse-Lautrec blurred the lines between high art and popular culture, challenging traditional hierarchies.