Adolphe ou Le Jeune Homme Triste

Adolphe ou Le Jeune Homme Triste is a poignant lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, in 1894. This highly characteristic print exemplifies the artist's dedication to portraiture and the study of individual character during the fin de siècle in France. Executed as a lithograph on cream wove paper, the work showcases Lautrec's technical mastery in utilizing the reproductive medium to capture intimate, expressive studies with minimalist line work and suggestive shading.

The work centers on the subject, "Adolphe," who is presented with an air of melancholy and introspection that aligns with the artist’s interest in the emotional realities beneath the surface of Parisian life. Lautrec, primarily known for his satirical posters and vivid depictions of Montmartre nightlife, frequently turned his attention to individual portraits like this to explore mood and personality rather than merely documenting celebrity. The deliberate economy of line highlights Adolphe's downcast gaze and slouched posture, emphasizing a pervasive sense of world-weariness common in portraits from this period.

This type of sensitive, unvarnished portrayal was ideally suited for the accessible medium of prints, which allowed Lautrec to circulate his observations widely among his peers and collectors. As a significant example of French graphic art from the late 19th century, this print is an important holding within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The psychological depth of the portrayal confirms Lautrec's status as a master printmaker. Today, while the original resides in the museum, high-quality images of this lithograph are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring that these essential prints remain accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.