Edmée Lescot

Edmée Lescot is a significant graphic work created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1893. Executed as a lithograph in black on velin paper, the piece exemplifies the artist's mastery of the reproductive arts and his characteristic focus on direct, psychological portraiture. This medium allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to use stark contrasts and efficient lines, capturing the essence of his subjects without relying on the lush detail of traditional oil painting.

Created during the intense artistic ferment of the Late 19th Century, spanning the years 1876 to 1900, this lithograph reflects the shift in French art toward documenting modern, everyday life. Although details concerning the identity of Edmée Lescot are sparse, Toulouse-Lautrec typically integrated his sitters into a broader narrative of Parisian society, often documenting performers, models, and figures from the fringes of high culture. The classification of the work as part of a portfolio highlights the artist’s commitment to mass production and the popularization of artistic prints, positioning him as a central figure in the graphic art revival.

Toulouse-Lautrec’s innovative approach utilized the lithograph not merely as a reproductive tool but as an expressive artistic end in itself, influencing future generations of poster designers and illustrators. The work’s inclusion in a professional portfolio underscores its role in distributing the artist’s unique vision widely beyond the confines of the traditional salon.

This important example of French printmaking currently resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The accessibility of works like Edmée Lescot through institutional holdings ensures that this pivotal period of art history remains studied. Like many celebrated prints from this era, the work often enters the public domain, guaranteeing its enduring influence and availability for scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.