Prospectus Programme de l'Oeuvre
Medium
one sheet folded in thirds with text and text insert, and 6 prints: Cover in lithograph by Toulouse-Lautrec, 1 woodcut by Charles Doudelet, 1 woodcut or woodengraving by Denis, 1 woodcut by Vallotton, 1 lithograph by Vuillard, and 1 lithograph byAntonio de la Gandara
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number
1952.8.402
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of fin-de-siècle Paris with *Prospectus Programme de l'Oe* (1895), a masterpiece featuring prints by six leading artists: Henri de Toulouseautrec, Félix Vall, Antonio de la Gandara, Doudelet, Maurice Denis and Édouard Vuillard. This folded sheet, ingeniously designed in thirds with text and an insert, served as a promotional prospectus, likely announcing an exhibition or publication. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection, it exemplifies the era's explosive print culture. Toulouse-Lautrec's dynamic lithograph graces the cover, capturing his signature flair for bold lines and modernity, while Vallotton, Denis, and Doudelet contribute intricate woodcuts that highlight the medium's precision and textural depth—Denis's possibly a wood engraving adds symbolic nuance tied to the Nabis movement. Vuillard and Gandara's lithographs bring subtle color and elegance, showcasing lithography's versatility for mass appeal. This artwork underscores 1890s artistic innovation, blending Post-Impressionist energy with Symbolist introspection. As posters and prints flooded Paris streets, such collaborations democratized high art, bridging elite galleries and everyday viewers—a testament to creativity's communal spirit.