Eva Lavallière is a lithograph created in 1896 by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. This French print master, renowned for capturing the vibrant, often cynical, nightlife of Montmartre, utilized the medium of lithography extensively during the 1890s. The piece is rendered in black ink on cream-colored paper, demonstrating the artist’s characteristic economical lines and expressive contours, a hallmark of his graphic output. The simplicity of the medium highlights the technical skill required to convey atmosphere and character using primarily line work, focusing the viewer entirely on the subject's posture and expression.
Toulouse-Lautrec specialized in incisive portraits of Parisian performers and celebrities. Eva Lavallière (1866-1929), the subject of this 1896 work, was a celebrated actress and comedian of the era known for her stage presence and nuanced comedic timing. The artist’s decision to depict her stems from his deep engagement with the entertainment venues that characterized the period spanning 1876 to 1900. Unlike formal academic portraiture, this classification of prints focuses intently on the sitter's individual persona and professional life. The composition employs a tight focus, capturing Lavallière perhaps backstage or in a momentary pause, reinforcing the spontaneous nature that defined Toulouse-Lautrec’s observational aesthetic approach.
This medium, being integral to the creation of commercial posters and artist prints, allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to distribute his work widely and comment directly upon the visual culture of the Belle Époque. The resulting lithograph is not merely a portrait but a historical document of fin-de-siècle Paris, showcasing the psychological depth and subtle caricature for which the artist is internationally recognized. This notable example of French prints from the late nineteenth century is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, ensuring its preservation and scholarly availability. As a significant historic work, the image is often made available digitally, expanding the accessibility of the NGA’s collection through the public domain.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.