May Milton 1895

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this striking image of May Milton using lithography, a printmaking technique that embraced the growing commercialization of art in fin-de-siècle Paris. The beauty of lithography lies in its directness. Unlike etching or engraving, which require carving into metal, lithography is planographic, meaning the image is drawn directly onto a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon or ink. The stone is then treated so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas, allowing for the creation of multiple, identical impressions. This method democratized art, enabling mass production and widespread distribution. Lautrec's graphic style, combined with the nature of lithography, imbues the work with a sense of immediacy. The flat planes of color and bold outlines capture the essence of Milton's performance, emphasizing its theatricality and the artificiality of the stage. The artist revelled in the opportunities this method gave him, blurring the boundaries between high art and commercial design. The poster was both a means of artistic expression, and advertising.