"Cover for Elles," created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896, served as the striking introductory image for his groundbreaking portfolio Elles. This significant work is a color lithograph on cream wove paper, a medium Toulouse-Lautrec perfected late in his career. The process, which allowed the artist to achieve flat, vibrant color areas and expressive outlines, was likely facilitated by master printer Auguste Clot and published by Gustave Pellet, two key figures in fine art prints.
The portfolio Elles offered an unprecedented, candid glimpse into the private lives of women in Parisian brothels, a major theme in 19th-century France. Unlike many contemporaries who sensationalized the subject, Toulouse-Lautrec depicted moments of intimacy, domestic routine, and vulnerability, lending dignity to figures often relegated to the edges of society. The composition of this cover utilizes simplified forms and subtle color transitions, effectively setting the melancholy and introspective tone for the entire series.
This masterwork is essential for studying the development of the poster aesthetic and late fin-de-siècle graphic arts. Toulouse-Lautrec's ability to capture character through concise line work made his prints highly sought after, establishing him as a leader in Post-Impressionist graphic design. Given its historical significance and age, the image is frequently available as part of the public domain, allowing widespread access to scholars and enthusiasts. This impressive impression of Cover for Elles resides in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
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