Elles (portfolio cover)

The influential print Elles (portfolio cover), created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896, utilizes a sophisticated technique of crayon, brush, and spatter lithography printed in brown-black on laid japan paper. This particular impression is the first of three states, skillfully folded in the outer margins and center to function as the protective cover for the controversial series it introduced.

The Elles series offered an unusually intimate and non-judgmental look at the lives of women in Parisian brothels, or maisons closes. The cover image, characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec's focus on candid observations, depicts two women whose faces are obscured or turned away, suggesting a moment of private companionship rather than public display. The artist delicately handles details of contemporary fashion, such as the intricate arrangements of their hair and the varying styles of their hats, which ground the subjects firmly in the Belle Époque setting.

As a master of the poster and fine art prints, Toulouse-Lautrec defined the aesthetics of late 19th-century graphic arts. His profound understanding of the lithographic process allowed him to achieve nuanced tones and textures, particularly evident in the use of spatter to create subtle shadows and depth. This highly regarded work, like the rest of the Elles series, remains a seminal achievement in the history of modern prints. The piece currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.