Cover Design for "Les Vieilles Histoires"

The Cover Design for "Les Vieilles Histoires" is a distinctive 1893 lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. This specific impression is a rare proof, classified as the first state of two, printed in a muted olive green ink on wove paper. It precedes the main edition of approximately 100 copies, which were issued later in black ink, making this proof invaluable for studying the technical process behind the artist’s prolific graphic output.

The work was intended as the visual introductory element for a literary publication. Toulouse-Lautrec utilizes his signature economy of line, prioritizing graphic impact and directness over excessive detail. The composition features two men engaged in the simple act of walking, conveying a quiet, narrative intimacy. An animal, likely a small dog, is integrated near their feet, grounding the figures within a scene of everyday Parisian life. This observational approach captures a snapshot of the human condition rendered through the concise aesthetic of Post-Impressionist graphic art.

Created during the height of the artist's engagement with commercial and literary illustration in fin-de-siècle Paris, this print showcases Toulouse-Lautrec’s skill in designing powerful and instantly recognizable imagery for mass consumption. The detailed classification of the print’s state is crucial to understanding the working methods of the artist and the development of color and tone in 19th-century French lithography. As a major example of Toulouse-Lautrec’s prints, the work is housed within the comprehensive collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Due to the historical age of the artwork, high-resolution images of this masterwork are frequently available for public domain reference.