En quarante

En quarante, created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1893, is a sophisticated and intimate example of French graphic art from the fin-de-siècle. Executed as a refined lithograph in black on velin paper, this print demonstrates the artist’s characteristic economy of line and masterful ability to convey complex narratives with minimal technical flourish. The creation of such prints was central to Toulouse-Lautrec’s practice during the late 19th century, a time when advances in lithography transformed commercial art and poster design into a respected fine art form.

The period spanning 1876 to 1900 saw Toulouse-Lautrec immerse himself in the vibrant, often cynical, world of Parisian cabarets, theaters, and brothels. Although the specific subject matter of En quarante is understated, the work reflects the highly observational style that defined his career. Toulouse-Lautrec excelled at depicting individuals captured in moments of unguarded reality, moving away from idealized academic compositions that dominated earlier French traditions. His graphic work often utilizes sharp contrasts and fluid, brush-like strokes, expertly translating the immediate energy of life onto the printing stone.

As a leading figure in the post-Impressionist movement, Toulouse-Lautrec elevated the status of the reproductive print, often blurring the lines between high and low culture through his frequent contributions to publications and posters. This piece stands as a powerful record of life in modern Paris. This particular example of the print classification resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it contributes to the study of European graphic arts. Due to the classification and age of this masterwork, the image is frequently encountered in public domain collections, ensuring continued access to and scholarship of Toulouse-Lautrec’s profound contribution to the history of prints.