Le Jockey

Le Jockey is a significant lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1899, marking one of his final artistic explorations into the world of Parisian leisure and spectacle. As a master of the medium, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the planar surface of the lithograph stone to capture movement and energy with characteristic brevity. This late-career piece, produced in the pivotal year of 1899, showcases the artist’s mastery of graphic simplicity. Rather than employing the vibrant colors typical of his earlier posters, this work emphasizes dynamic line and composition, highlighting the influence of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints on his technique.

The subject matter, the solitary jockey astride his mount, places the lithograph firmly within the context of fin-de-siècle French life, where horse racing and modern sport became increasingly popular subjects for artists observing the urban bourgeoisie. Toulouse-Lautrec was less concerned with descriptive accuracy than with the psychological intensity and raw athleticism of the scene. The composition is characterized by swift, economical lines that convey speed and potential energy, reinforcing the tension inherent in the moment before competition. His skilled handling of the medium allowed him to render the texture of the horse and the posture of the rider with remarkable immediacy.

Though Toulouse-Lautrec is most often associated with the dance halls and cabarets of Montmartre, this study of the racetrack demonstrates his versatility in depicting diverse aspects of contemporary life. This particular example is considered a key piece within his graphic output of the 1890s, and it underscores his pivotal role in modern printmaking. The work, which remains a compelling example of his mature style, is currently held in the esteemed collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it contributes to the study of early twentieth-century French prints and modern graphic design.