Cassive

Cassive is a masterful lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, encompassing the prolific period of his work between 1876 and 1901. As a print, the work exemplifies the artist's pioneering approach to the medium of lithography. Toulouse-Lautrec often utilized this technique for bold visual statements, specializing in the documentation of Parisian nightlife, the theater, and the colorful, often marginalized, figures of Montmartre, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in modern art in France.

Dating from the fin-de-siècle period, this piece reflects the dynamic cultural environment of France at the turn of the 20th century. The intense focus and economy of line typical of the artist's graphic work are evident, displaying the influence of Japanese ukiyo-e prints in its composition and cropped perspectives. While the specific identity depicted in Cassive may be open to interpretation, Toulouse-Lautrec’s oeuvre is renowned for its unflinching, immediate portraits of performers, dancers, and the patrons who frequented the cafés and cabarets of Paris.

This rare impression resides in the esteemed collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, representing a significant example of French graphic art in their holdings. Because of the era of its creation and its resulting classification, high-quality images and prints of this lithograph are often made available to scholars and the public through resources like the museum's public domain program, ensuring that the legacy of Toulouse-Lautrec remains widely accessible for study.