Horse and Collie

"Horse and Collie" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, is a masterful example of the artist's dedication to printmaking in the final years of the 19th century. Created in 1898, this work is classified as a Print and was executed as a lithograph on fine ivory wove paper. Lautrec, renowned for his innovative use of the lithographic process, often utilized the medium to capture candid moments of everyday life, moving beyond his more famous depictions of cabaret and Parisian nightlife.

While known primarily for illustrating the vibrant energy of Montmartre, this piece offers a quieter perspective, focusing on the suggestive interaction between a horse and a collie. The composition reflects the elegance and economy of line typical of Lautrec's late period graphic works. The work demonstrates his skill in exploiting the subtle tonal ranges possible in lithography, prioritizing form and movement over dense detail. This technical approach allowed the artist to widely disseminate his unique visual style across France, positioning the work within the vital cultural output of the fin-de-siècle period.

The immediacy and expressiveness achieved through the lithograph process made these prints highly sought after by collectors interested in the burgeoning modern art scene of 1898. This important example of French print culture is currently held in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The museum recognizes the 1898 work, Horse and Collie, as a significant contribution to the legacy of modern graphic arts, emphasizing the artist’s versatility. As part of the public domain, the image continues to circulate, testifying to Lautrec's enduring artistic relevance.