Nib or the Amateur Photographer (Nib ou le photographe-amateur) [right recto]

Nib or the Amateur Photographer (Nib ou le photographe-amateur) [right recto] is a distinctive lithograph created by the celebrated French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895. Executed during the Belle Époque, this print captures the atmosphere of innovation and leisure that characterized the late nineteenth century. The work reflects the artist's keen interest in documenting contemporary life, moving beyond his familiar subjects of Parisian cabaret and theatrical performers to address the emerging popularity of new technologies.

As suggested by the title, the work explores the rising trend of amateur photography, a pastime indicative of the expanding middle class in Paris. Toulouse-Lautrec, renowned for his penetrating observations and unflinching depiction of modern society, here applies his signature graphic style to a scene of private or domestic leisure. Unlike his dynamic depictions of Montmartre nightlife, the subject matter of the amateur photographer offers a commentary on how technology was integrated into daily life. The composition, typical of his prolific output in the graphic arts, utilizes bold contours and a simplified tonal range, echoing the flatness and efficiency found in Japanese woodblock prints, which heavily influenced Toulouse-Lautrec.

Executed in the demanding medium of the lithograph, Nib or the Amateur Photographer exemplifies the artist’s mastery of printmaking. This technique allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to reproduce his expressive drawings with immediacy and reach a broader audience, reflecting the mass-media sensibilities prevalent during the 1876 to 1900 period. This unique French print is a valuable record of the era’s cultural shifts and artistic experimentation. The impression resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is preserved as an essential example of the artist's graphic work. As a significant print, high-quality images of this artwork are often available in the public domain for research and scholarly study.