Mariage d'argent; Le Fardeau de la liberté; Un Client sérieux [recto]

Mariage d'argent; Le Fardeau de la liberté; Un Client sérieux [recto] by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a significant example of French printmaking created in 1897. The work is classified as a print, specifically a lithograph executed in black ink on light brown wove paper. This choice of medium underscores the artist’s commitment to the graphic arts, a format he used extensively to capture the fleeting, often cynical, spirit of Parisian life. Toulouse-Lautrec favored lithography for its directness and suitability for producing satirical or observed character studies.

Belonging to the period spanning 1876 to 1900, this piece reflects the societal preoccupations of the Fin de siècle era regarding modern identity and moral ambiguity. The collective title, which translates to "Silver Marriage; The Burden of Freedom; A Serious Client," suggests a tripartite narrative exploring complex social arrangements. The artist was renowned for his unflinching observational style, often satirizing the transactional nature of relationships and the hypocrisies of bourgeois society. This print likely offers a commentary on the constraints and compromises inherent in financially motivated marriage (Mariage d'argent) and the resulting limitations or obligations placed upon individuals.

Toulouse-Lautrec's distinct aesthetic-characterized by sharp contours and expressive brevity-demonstrates his mastery over the lithographic process. His ability to convey detailed texture and psychological nuance through limited tones cemented his reputation as one of the most important figures in post-Impressionist art. This valuable example of French graphic arts is preserved within the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as crucial documentation of the artist's mature output and the wider culture of prints circulating during the late 19th century. Such historically significant works from this period often enter the public domain, allowing for broad study and appreciation.