Henry Somm

The print Henry Somm was created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, in 1898. This sophisticated portrait is executed using drypoint, a demanding intaglio technique. Lautrec utilized a sharp point directly on a zinc plate to scratch the lines, resulting in the rich, velvety burr characteristic of the medium. The final impression was pulled in black ink onto cream wove Japanese paper, a material prized in the late 19th century for its delicate texture and ability to absorb fine detail.

Lautrec, a master observer of Parisian life, frequently turned his attention to the entertainers, writers, and artists who defined fin-de-siècle France. While the specific identity of the sitter, Henry Somm, is often secondary to the artistic observation, the piece exemplifies the artist’s signature style: quick, powerful lines capturing immediate presence and psychological depth. This style drew heavily on Japanese ukiyo-e principles, which deeply influenced the graphic arts movement thriving in France during the 1890s. The decision to produce this piece as a print underscored the artist's commitment to circulating his images widely among the French public.

As one of the most significant graphic artists of his era, the prints created by 1864-1901 remain highly sought after. This particular impression of Henry Somm is housed within the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The work offers valuable insight into the graphic output of the artist and his innovative approach to portraiture, a contribution that shaped modern prints.