Hussars

Hussars, painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1878, is an essential, early example of the artist's work executed in oil on canvas. This painting belongs to the classification of French fine art produced during the period of 1876 to 1900. While Toulouse-Lautrec is historically famed for his later Post-Impressionist depictions of Parisian nightlife and his mastery of graphic design, this piece offers insight into the foundational techniques and subjects he explored before relocating to Montmartre.

The work’s title indicates a focus on hussars, light cavalry soldiers instantly recognizable by their elaborate, distinctive uniforms. Given the date of the canvas, the young Toulouse-Lautrec was still exploring traditional portraiture and academic conventions, focusing keenly on the depiction of human figures within their environment. The application of the oil paint, typical of the late 19th century, shows a dedication to capturing the texture and dimensionality of the military subjects. This meticulous, restrained approach differs significantly from the loose, expressive brushwork that would define his later lithographs and celebrated posters.

This early French canvas illuminates a pivotal time in the artist’s career, documenting his technical progression away from academic realism toward the modern style that would cement his legacy. Although many of Toulouse-Lautrec’s most famous works are now widely disseminated through reproductions and high-quality prints available in the public domain, this 1878 painting offers a unique look at his formative years and mastery of traditional media. The painting is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing crucial documentation of the artist's early development within the rich tradition of European painting.