Study

The work titled Study by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901, executed in 1895, is a masterful example of late 19th-century draftsmanship. Classified as a drawing, this piece utilizes a complex, layered approach to media. Lautrec employed brush and black ink combined with black Conté crayon, allowing him to create both precise linear contours and areas of rich, textural shading typical of his energetic style.

The artist created this sketch on tan tracing paper, a lightweight support that provided a unique base tone. This tracing paper was then laid down on a heavier ivory wove paper for increased stability and permanence. The primary black media are dynamically complemented by carefully positioned touches of white gouache. This technique of heightening adds necessary volume and highlights specific forms within the composition, demonstrating Lautrec’s technical economy and his skill in rapidly capturing expression.

The nature of this piece, created in 1895, suggests it was likely a preparatory exploration, typical of the working methods used by illustrators and painters in France during this period, particularly those involved in producing posters and lithographs. Lautrec, renowned for his observations of Parisian nightlife and culture, consistently blurred the line between preliminary work and finished illustration. This drawing reflects the innovative spirit of Post-Impressionism and offers valuable insight into the artist's methodology. The piece is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Given its age and status, high-quality prints and archival files are frequently available through museum and public domain repositories.