Elles (portfolio cover)

Elles (portfolio cover) is a seminal print by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1896. This image served as the striking introductory sheet for the artist’s portfolio of ten lithographs, which provided a revolutionary and unromanticized look into the lives of women residing in Parisian maisons closes (brothels). This specific impression is designated as the first state of three, executed using a sophisticated blend of crayon, brush, and spatter lithography, and printed in a delicate olive green black on rich Japan paper.

The cover composition features one of the women from the series, caught in a moment of private repose or preparation. Toulouse-Lautrec demonstrates his characteristic skill in capturing candid intimacy, focusing intently on the heavy curve of the woman’s body as she adjusts or removes a wide-brimmed hat. The use of spatter technique lends a gritty, atmospheric texture to the background, contrasting with the fluid, expressive lines defining the figures. This aesthetic choice elevated the medium of prints from simple reproduction to high art, reflecting the dynamic spirit of French fin-de-siècle graphic design.

As a high point in graphic art from the late 19th century, this print exemplifies Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery of the medium. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this significant work in its extensive collection. Though the original prints were highly sought after, the historical nature of the piece means that the image is widely accessible today, often considered part of the public domain, allowing for continued scholarly study and the production of museum-quality fine art prints. The unflinching realism and technical brilliance of Elles (portfolio cover) confirm the artist’s enduring status as a pioneer of modern graphic arts.