Carnot Is Sick! (from Les Vieilles Histoires)

Carnot Is Sick! (from Les Vieilles Histoires) is a powerful lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1893. This distinctive print exemplifies the artist's innovative approach to graphic media, utilizing brush and spatter techniques to achieve a dynamic and textured image. The work was printed in black on imitation japan paper and represents the only known state, showcasing Toulouse-Lautrec’s highly skilled and experimental control over the demanding lithographic process.

The subject matter, drawn from the satirical series Les Vieilles Histoires (Old Stories), depicts an intimate scene of illness. A man identified as Carnot is confined to his bed, surrounded by attending doctors. This intense focus on the anxious interaction between the sick men and the medical professionals reflects the era's fascination with mortality and the changing role of healthcare providers in Parisian society. The immediacy of Carnot Is Sick! reflects Toulouse-Lautrec’s commitment to documenting raw, unvarnished moments of fin-de-siècle life. He frequently employed printmaking techniques to circulate such observations widely, cementing his reputation as a master observer and chronicler.

This significant example of nineteenth-century French prints is housed in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. As a historical work of graphic arts, this lithograph belongs to a body of art by Toulouse-Lautrec that has entered the public domain, ensuring its continued study and appreciation globally. The Met’s holdings preserve the technical brilliance and contextual importance of this seminal 1893 print.