Frontispiece

Frontispiece is a lithograph in black created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898. Executed on velin paper, this work exemplifies the artist’s prolific output in the graphic arts during the late 19th century. Produced near the close of the period spanning 1876 to 1900, the piece belongs firmly to the tradition of French modern printmaking, a field where Toulouse-Lautrec achieved international acclaim through his innovative approach to posters and book illustration.

As a Frontispiece, the image was generally designed to serve as the introductory illustration for a book or portfolio, often summarizing the publication’s themes or featuring a specific portrait or scene related to the text. Toulouse-Lautrec frequently employed the medium of the lithograph to capture the immediate, observational atmosphere of Parisian life, translating his characteristic drawing style directly onto the printing stone. The choice of a lithograph in black, rather than the vibrant colors often seen in his posters, emphasizes the power of line quality and subtle shadow play to define the forms. This focus on stark contrasts and dynamic composition allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to maintain a unique expressive quality even when working within the constraints of commercial or book design commissions.

Classified specifically as a print, this piece demonstrates the high artistic value placed on original reproductive techniques throughout this era. Toulouse-Lautrec’s dedication to this medium solidified the status of prints as a major artistic form in the French cultural landscape of the 1890s, expanding the audience for fine art beyond traditional paintings. The work is characteristic of the graphic output of the artist just prior to the turn of the century, showcasing his mastery of the medium. Today, this specific impression of the Frontispiece resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, preserving an important example of this master printmaker’s work. Works such as this, produced in limited editions, remain crucial references for understanding the evolution of modern graphic design and the influence of Post-Impressionist masters.