Study of a Woman

The delicate Study of a Woman (1893) is an exemplary print by the French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901). Created during the height of the Belle Époque in Paris, this work is classified as a print, specifically a lithograph executed on cream wove paper. Lautrec, known for his incisive observations of Parisian nightlife and intimate studies of the women who populated the city's theaters, brothels, and cafés, frequently utilized the medium of lithography. This technique allowed him to achieve painterly effects with the directness required for both commercial distribution and fine art prints.

The choice of printmaking enabled the artist to capture the immediate, often melancholic, atmosphere surrounding his subjects. Unlike the vibrant color and dynamic composition of his famous posters, this piece opts for a more subdued, private depiction. The texture of the cream wove paper softens the outlines, contributing to a sense of interiority and quiet observation. Lautrec’s characteristic economy of line, combined with the subtle tonal variations achievable through the lithographic process, demonstrates his ability to imbue seemingly simple portrait studies with profound psychological depth.

As a crucial artistic document of fin-de-siècle France, this study reflects Lautrec’s dedication to social realism and his powerful Post-Impressionist influences. His masterful prints remain vital examples of graphic arts from this revolutionary era. This specific impression is held in the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it contributes to the museum’s significant holdings of nineteenth-century French prints.