Rosmersholm; Le Gage

Rosmersholm; Le Gage is a significant print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1897. This stark work is rendered as a lithograph in black on wove paper, showcasing the artist's characteristic economy of line and dramatic use of shadow. Produced near the end of the 19th century, this piece exemplifies the artistic output of the French Belle Époque era. Toulouse-Lautrec frequently utilized the print medium to capture the ephemeral scenes of Parisian life, distinguishing him as a pivotal figure in the development of modern graphic arts.

The title references Rosmersholm, a controversial play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, which premiered in 1886. Toulouse-Lautrec’s engagement with specific theatrical and literary themes reflects the intense cultural dialogue happening across Europe during this period 1876 to 1900. Although Toulouse-Lautrec is best known for depicting the dancers and cabaret singers of Montmartre, his work often included illustrations and independent prints that explored more psychological or narrative content. This lithograph captures the mood of psychological intensity and moral ambiguity common in fin-de-siècle drama.

The stylistic choices employed by Toulouse-Lautrec, particularly the sharp contrasts and minimal detail, are typical of the modern graphic sensibilities emerging in the late 1800s. As a key figure in the post-Impressionist generation, his influential prints provide essential documentation of the cultural life in French society leading up to the turn of the century. The work is housed in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it contributes to the museum’s extensive holdings of prints. High-quality reproductions of Rosmersholm; Le Gage are sometimes made available to the public as part of the museum's commitment to sharing art in the public domain.