A la Bastille (Jeanne Wenz)

A la Bastille (Jeanne Wenz) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, executed in oil on canvas in 1888, is an early and intimate example of the French master’s portraiture. Created during the pivotal years spanning 1876 to 1900, this painting captures the artist’s interest in documenting the personalities within his social circle in Paris. Jeanne Wenz, the sitter, was known to Toulouse-Lautrec, and the portrait avoids the idealization typical of earlier artistic conventions, instead focusing on an unvarnished psychological presence.

The painting demonstrates the nascent development of Toulouse-Lautrec’s characteristic style: a direct, almost photographic approach combined with a refined use of color and shadow to define form. While often associated with the vivid lithographs and posters he produced later, this canvas reveals the foundational observational skill derived from his training in traditional painting techniques. The work stands as a key piece within the Post-Impressionist movement, reflecting a cultural shift toward depicting contemporary, everyday subjects rather than grand historical narratives.

This French work offers valuable insight into the artistic evolution of Toulouse-Lautrec, bridging the gap between his academic studies and his subsequent revolutionary output. His focus on individual character rather than mere status solidified his reputation as a chronicler of modern urban life. While the artist is globally recognized for the widely distributed prints of his famous nightlife scenes, which are often available in the public domain today, a dedicated painting such as A la Bastille (Jeanne Wenz) remains crucial for understanding his technical versatility. This significant piece is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art.