Building on the success of the 2002 special exhibition Paris to Portland, this exhibition continues Portland’s love affair with 19th-century French art. Taking as its centerpiece the Elles lithographic series by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec—the generous gift of local private collectors—this exhibition traces the intriguing and often entertaining depiction of French society by some of France’s greatest artists.

Revolution, industrialization and the ensuing migration of the populace from country to city provided enormous stimulation for characterization and commentary. This presentation of 70 works is a lively examination of the myriad ways in which Daumier, Millet, Degas, Pissarro, Cassatt, Toulouse-Lautrec and other artists viewed their society.

Organized by the Museum and curated by Dr. Annette Dixon, Curator of Prints and Drawings, Daumier to Lautrec: French Prints and Drawings unites important prints and drawings selected from local private collections and the Museum’s permanent collection, including recent acquisitions. The exhibition is presented in honor of the Gilkey Center’s 10th Anniversary.