Adolphe or the Sad Young Man (Adolphe ou le jeune homme triste)

Adolphe or the Sad Young Man (Adolphe ou le jeune homme triste) is a significant print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894. This profound character study is executed as a lithograph in black on laid paper, a medium the artist frequently utilized to capture the immediate and informal aspects of modern life. Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery of the lithographic process is evident in the expressive range achieved through simple black lines, creating a sense of density and psychological depth.

The work captures the figure of a young man, often identified simply by the title’s suggestion of melancholy. Unlike formal, conventional portraits, the sitter is rendered with a candid intimacy that reflects the artist’s interest in documenting the emotional isolation and nuanced experience of individuals within Parisian society. The composition focuses intently on Adolphe’s demeanor, using stark contrasts and selective detail to highlight his pensive mood. This piece exemplifies the artist’s transition from detailed observation to a more stylized, graphic technique prevalent in French art of the time.

Created during the late 19th century, this lithograph falls squarely within the productive period of 1876 to 1900, demonstrating the evolving styles of Post-Impressionism. Toulouse-Lautrec’s dedication to producing high-quality prints and posters was revolutionary, democratizing art and influencing the development of modern graphic design. This powerful depiction of Adolphe or the Sad Young Man is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a major work from this era, it is frequently studied by scholars, and reproductions of this iconic French lithograph are often available through public domain collections for educational and research purposes.