Cassive

Cassive is a sophisticated print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. This artwork, classified as a print, utilizes the demanding technique of lithography, executed in black ink on a sheet of cream-colored velin paper. Toulouse-Lautrec was a pivotal figure in modern graphic arts, often favoring lithography for its ability to produce sharp lines and broad, atmospheric tones, ideal for capturing the immediacy of fin-de-siècle Paris. The creation of high-quality, reproducible prints was central to the French artistic movement during this period.

Created during the height of the Belle Époque, this work is emblematic of French artistic production during the crucial period of 1876 to 1900. Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery lay in his ability to translate observed life into graphic form, documenting the characters and scenes of Montmartre. While the specific subject matter of Cassive is reserved, the style retains the artist’s characteristic economical line work and dramatic contrast, typical of his finest posters and limited-edition prints. This approach cemented his reputation as one of the most important Post-Impressionist chroniclers of Parisian life.

The choice of medium-a lithograph in black-emphasizes form and contour, relying fundamentally on the contrast between the dark ink and the subtle tone of the velin paper rather than color. This dedication to graphic precision makes the piece a significant example of French prints from the era. The work is held within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and the public an enduring view into the output of the French master. Due to the age of the original artwork, high-quality images of this masterpiece are often available through public domain resources, ensuring continued access and study.