Carnival

Carnival, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1894, is a significant example of the artist's masterful graphic output and his dedication to capturing the dynamic social life of Paris. This piece is a crayon and brush lithograph, meticulously executed with a scraper, and printed in a sophisticated color palette of olive green and red inks on wove paper. The notation that the piece is the third state of three indicates the rigorous process of refinement Toulouse-Lautrec undertook in developing his popular prints.

Toulouse-Lautrec was renowned for his incisive documentation of fin-de-siècle Parisian society, specializing in character studies drawn from the world of public entertainment and the demi-monde. The composition of Carnival focuses intensely on several female profiles, suggesting a lively, perhaps crowded atmosphere typical of the public venues the artist frequented. By utilizing the profile view, he emphasizes the distinct features and expressions of the women, capturing both their individuality and the anonymity of the festive crowd.

The use of lithography allowed the artist to achieve textural richness and dynamic line quality, essential characteristics of his style. As a highly productive and popular printmaker, Toulouse-Lautrec ensured his work reached a wide audience during his lifetime. This specific impression, trimmed cleanly at the plate mark, resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving its historical and artistic integrity. Reflecting the accessibility of the artist's graphic work, high-quality images of many of these prints are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring broad access to the legacy of this influential Post-Impressionist master.