Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec ( * 1864 † 1901 )
Artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Discover the captivating world of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec – the chronicler of Parisian nightlife! With expressive lines and a keen sense for characters, he impressively captured the vibrant life of the Belle Époque in posters, scenes, and portraits. Explore his distinctive works as high-quality art prints, stylishly framed canvas paintings, or artfully hand-painted pieces in your desired size!
Count Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa was born on November 24, 1864, in Albi, southern France. Henri hailed from a noble family. However, his parents were related: his father married his first cousin, which triggered a hereditary disease in young Henri. He suffered from a lysosomal enzyme defect with skeletal osteosclerosis (pycnodysostosis), leading to dwarfism and bone fragility. Nevertheless, he led a carefree life, grew up pampered, and was very self-assured and assertive.
Even as a small child, the talented Frenchman enjoyed picking up colored pencils. At the age of 14, he dedicated himself to painting, not only due to his talent but also because of his health issues. Multiple thigh fractures and long healing processes prevented him from participating in many social activities. Thus, he decided to become an artist, often drawing animals, people, hunting, and riding scenes. At 14, he sketched "A Woman and a Man on Horseback."
In 1882, Toulouse-Lautrec moved from Albi to Paris, where he joined the studio of the Parisian fashion painter Léon Bonnat on April 17, 1882. Later, he switched to the studio of Fernand Cormon, where he befriended renowned painters, including Émile Bernard and Vincent van Gogh. He found inspiration in their works. Japanese woodcuts (Ukiyo-e prints) also influenced him, shaping his style with silhouettes, strong outlines, and colors.
In 1886, Toulouse-Lautrec rented a studio on Rue Lepic, marking a turning point in his life. His works reflected his gritty, adventurous life with realistic, unvarnished depictions of reality, portraying the Bohemian lifestyle and personalities of the French Belle Époque ("beautiful era"). He later dedicated an entire series, called "Elles," to life in a brothel. His favorite models included: a prostitute nicknamed La Casque d'Or (Golden Helmet) in the painting "The Streetwalker" (1892/94), singer Yvette Guilbert in the "Divan Japonais" poster (1893), and Suzanne Valadon, the future painter with whom Henri had a romantic relationship.
He was among the Post-Impressionist artists. Lithography became his passion. The French painter and graphic artist became especially known for his posters for Paris's Moulin Rouge variety show. These made the Montmartre entertainer famous and popularized the medium of advertising lithography. Through his personal and situational paintings of dancers, Paris nightclub visitors, and prostitutes, Toulouse-Lautrec revealed the sadness and humanity behind the facade.
The French painter compensated for his genetic disability with alcohol. Self-irony, an almost caricature-like art style, and a fascination for the peripheral groups of society are today also attributed to his suffering from his physical deformity.
The most famous poster artist of Paris became renowned as the man in the red scarf and black coat. His work includes not only drawings and color lithographs but also numerous oil paintings and watercolors. His last painting, "Admiral Viaud," was created on August 20, 1901.
Marked by alcohol problems, syphilis, and depression, Count Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa died on September 9, 1901, at just 36 years old at the family castle Malromé.
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All images by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
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