L'Exemple de Ninon de Lenclos, Amoureuse by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, print, 1898

L'Exemple de Ninon de Lenclos, Amoureuse

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Year
1898
Medium
Second edition Lithograph on vellum
Dimensions
7-1/16 x 4-3/4 in. (17.9 x 12.1 cm)
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art

About This Artwork

L'Exemple de Ninon de Lenclos, Amoureuse by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a significant example of fin-de-siècle graphic art, executed in 1898. Classified as a print, this piece is a second edition lithograph on vellum, underscoring the artist's prolific output and mastery of reproducible media during the late 19th century. Lithography allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to capture the fleeting moments and intimate details of Parisian life with his characteristic expressive line work and controlled use of negative space. The medium enabled the broad dissemination of his artistic vision, positioning him at the forefront of modern graphic design and advertising.

The artwork's title refers to Ninon de Lenclos, a renowned 17th-century intellectual and courtesan who symbolized female independence and unconventional social roles. This reference aligns with Toulouse-Lautrec's thematic concerns, as he frequently portrayed men and women involved in the complex social life of the Parisian demi-monde and the entertainment industry. The depiction captures the interaction between individuals, reflecting the artist’s interest in documenting the human condition rather than idealizing it.

As a leading figure in Post-Impressionist prints, Lautrec revolutionized poster art and elevated the artistic status of the print medium. His sharp observations of social dynamics continue to resonate. L'Exemple de Ninon de Lenclos, Amoureuse currently resides in the respected collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflecting its enduring value as a document of French cultural history. Due to the age and accessibility of works from this period, much of the artist's catalogue imagery often enters the public domain, enabling broader study and appreciation of Toulouse-Lautrec's foundational contribution to modern visual culture.

Cultural & Historical Context

Classification
Print

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