Napoléon

Napoléon by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a significant example of French graphic artistry produced in 1895. Executed as a lithograph, this print demonstrates the artist's sophisticated command of the demanding printing medium, which allowed for fluid lines and expressive color fields, qualities that defined much of his output during the period. The proliferation of affordable prints in 1895 meant works like this were accessible to a broader audience, expanding the reach of modern art beyond traditional salon painting.

Toulouse-Lautrec, renowned for his observational acuity and keen ability to capture character, often translated the vibrant energy of Parisian nightlife into his extensive catalog of graphic works. This piece, Napoléon, while addressing a historical figure rather than his typical scenes of Montmartre, retains his signature approach: a focus on form reduction, bold contours, and a stark psychological portrayal. The use of the lithograph medium was central to his practice, allowing him to bridge the gap between fine art and commercial illustration.

Lithography served Toulouse-Lautrec not merely as a reproductive technique but as a primary artistic tool for creating dynamic, graphic compositions. His mastery in the 1895 period elevated the status of the poster and the print as valid art forms, influencing subsequent generations of graphic designers in France and internationally. As a key representative of French late-19th century graphic art, this work is classified specifically as a print, reflecting the artistic innovations sweeping through Europe at the time. The ability to circulate high-quality impressions meant many such works eventually entered the public domain, facilitating wide study of the era's techniques. This important work is currently held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).