Le Margouin (Mademoiselle Louise Blouet)

Le Margouin (Mademoiselle Louise Blouet) is a seminal lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1900. This late-career print exemplifies the artist's distinctive style, characterized by incisive portraiture and a focus on the characters of the Parisian Belle Époque. As a prolific printmaker, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the medium of lithography to elevate what was often considered a commercial technique into a vehicle for profound artistic expression and immediate social observation.

The medium, a print classification, required Toulouse-Lautrec to use greasy crayons on stone to capture the essence of his subjects with unparalleled psychological depth and characteristic line work. This French artist was renowned for his ability to translate direct observation into sharp, graphic form. The subject, identified as Mademoiselle Louise Blouet, is rendered with the quick, expressive economy of line typical of the artist’s work. Although titled Le Margouin (The Grouper), a possibly satirical nickname, the image conveys a sense of detachment and scrutiny, positioning the viewer to analyze the sitter’s character as interpreted by the artist.

Dating to 1900, the work reflects the peak of Toulouse-Lautrec’s graphic experimentation and his dedication to documenting the contemporary moment. His prints became vital visual records of Parisian life, particularly the theaters, brothels, and socialites of the era. The rapid distribution potential of the lithograph technique allowed his artistic vision to permeate widely, defining the visual culture of the period. The enduring significance of this piece ensures its permanent place in art history, and the original impression resides in the esteemed collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). As is frequently the case with high-quality prints from this era, reproductions of this masterpiece are often found in the public domain, ensuring global access to the output of this key Post-Impressionist master.