Mary Hamilton

The artwork Mary Hamilton was created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1893. This piece is a lithograph executed in green ink upon velin paper. Known for his revolutionary approach to modern printmaking, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the lithographic process to capture the fleeting moments and intimate portraits of Parisian life during the influential period spanning 1876 to 1900.

As a defining figure of the French Post-Impressionist movement, Toulouse-Lautrec documented the theaters, cabarets, and private lives of the Fin de siècle aristocracy and working class. Unlike the large, vibrant posters that made him famous, this print, likely intended as a portfolio piece or an illustration for an exclusive literary review, showcases the artist’s characteristic ability to convey mood and character through essential line work and focused composition. The choice of green ink lends the image a distinct, somber quality, emphasizing the subject’s form without the distraction of a full color spectrum.

Toulouse-Lautrec’s graphic work was central to the explosion of prints and artistic publications in the late 19th century. His technical experimentation with texture and ink application established new standards for the medium. This particular classification as a portfolio work indicates its inclusion in a curated collection meant for fellow artists or sophisticated collectors, rather than mass public distribution.

The work Mary Hamilton stands as an important example of the highly collectible prints produced by the artist, demonstrating his mastery of the graphic arts. The original artwork is housed in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical classification within the 1876 to 1900 timeline, high-quality images of this French masterwork are often available for educational purposes through public domain initiatives, allowing broader access to the artistic output of Toulouse-Lautrec.