Filling a Tub, from "Elles"

Filling a Tub, from "Elles", by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, is a significant lithograph created in 1896. This work is one of the celebrated twelve plates composing the Elles series, which provided an unprecedented, intimate glimpse into the daily lives and domestic rituals of women residing in Parisian brothels. Toulouse-Lautrec utilized a sophisticated technique, employing crayon, brush and spatter lithography printed in five colors on wove paper, allowing him to capture subtle textures and atmospheric depth characteristic of his drawing style.

The composition exemplifies a genre scene focused on women engaged in a moment of preparation. Rather than depicting the women in their public, professional roles, Lautrec portrays the figure bending over a tub, likely filling it, emphasizing a sense of quiet labor and candid intimacy. This approach contrasts sharply with contemporary societal expectations, offering an unvarnished view of marginalized figures. The simplicity of the setting and the focus on the figure’s silhouette underscores the artist's commitment to observation and his masterful use of line.

As a high-point in the history of graphic arts, this print showcases Toulouse-Lautrec’s innovative skill in exploiting the potential of color lithography. The nuanced palette and the expressive marks of the brush and crayon demonstrate why this piece is considered one of his most important contributions to the medium of prints. Filling a Tub is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Given its historic status, the work is frequently made available through public domain archives, ensuring this powerful artistic documentation of fin-de-siècle Paris remains accessible.