Hanging Man (Le Pendu)

The lithograph Hanging Man (Le Pendu), created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895, is a somber and striking example of the French artist’s work in the print medium. Produced during a period of intense experimentation with graphic arts, this piece showcases Toulouse-Lautrec’s sophisticated understanding of lithography, a technique that allowed him great spontaneity and expressive freedom in his line work. The process enabled the artist to translate his rapid, sketch-like drawings directly onto the stone, resulting in sharp, immediate compositions suitable for wide distribution.

This powerful work deviates dramatically from the glamorous cabaret and vibrant nightlife scenes for which Toulouse-Lautrec is most famous. Instead, the composition presents a solitary, stark depiction of a figure suspended by the neck. Rendered with an economy of line and intense atmospheric shadow, the image conveys profound tragedy and isolation. The figure’s form is suggested rather than detailed, focusing the viewer’s attention on the gravity and finality of the act. The starkness of Le Pendu reflects a darker exploration of human experience, a theme the artist occasionally pursued alongside his famous portrayals of performers and patrons.

As a pivotal figure in Post-Impressionism, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the print medium not only for commercial posters but also for independent artistic statements. This specific work, created in 1895, exemplifies his mastery of composition and his ability to evoke deep emotional response through minimal means. The work highlights the enduring power of lithography in late 19th-century visual culture. This important lithograph is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it serves as a powerful record of Toulouse-Lautrec’s innovative approach to graphic arts during the fin-de-siècle era.