Marcelle Lender and Eve Lavallière in the Revue at the Théâtre des Variétés - Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

A delicate lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec capturing actresses Marcelle Lender and Eve Lavallière in a Parisian theatre performance.

This lithograph captures the theatrical atmosphere of late nineteenth-century Paris. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a frequent observer of the cabaret and theatre scenes, depicts the actresses Marcelle Lender and Eve Lavallière during a performance at the Théâtre des Variétés. The composition relies on sparse, economical lines to define the figures, capturing the essence of their stage personas with minimal detail.

Lender, known for her expressive performances, is shown in costume, while Lavallière is positioned beside her. The artist employs a light, almost sketch-like quality, which allows the viewer to focus on the posture and interaction between the two women. The background remains largely empty, suggesting the ephemeral nature of the stage environment. Toulouse-Lautrec often favoured this approach, prioritising the psychological presence of his subjects over realistic rendering.

As a master of the lithographic medium, the artist uses the stone to create varied line weights, from the delicate contours of the faces to the more defined shapes of the costumes. This work reflects the artist's fascination with the Parisian entertainment world, a subject he documented throughout his career. The print bears the characteristic monogram of the artist, confirming its status as an authentic production from his studio. The work provides a glimpse into the social and cultural life of the Belle Époque, where the theatre served as a primary site for public display and artistic observation. By stripping away unnecessary ornamentation, the artist directs attention to the specific gestures and expressions of the performers, creating a direct connection between the viewer and the subjects on stage.