Submersion

Submersion is a significant illustrated book created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, first conceived in 1881 but formally published in 1938. Classified specifically as an Illustrated Book, this work comprises 49 distinct collotype reproductions. The nature of the collotype technique allowed for high-quality, continuous-tone prints derived from the original artwork, showcasing the precision of early photomechanical reproduction methods that were gaining traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Toulouse-Lautrec, primarily known for his lithographic posters and evocative paintings capturing the vibrant energy of Parisian life, demonstrated his technical versatility through this complex illustrative project. The compilation of 49 images within the book provides a structured thematic or narrative sequence conceived during the pivotal year of 1881. As a highly influential French artist of the Post-Impressionist period, Toulouse-Lautrec's foray into book illustration requires careful examination, distinguishing his intent for these works versus his more commonly recognized commercial graphic art.

The disparity between the initial creation date of 1881 and the delayed publication in 1938 highlights the often protracted timeline required for the completion and circulation of complex print projects. Its eventual release made key elements of Toulouse-Lautrec’s early illustrative style accessible to a wider audience. The definitive edition of Submersion, featuring its complete set of 49 reproductions, resides in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), underscoring its historical and artistic value as a crucial example of early modern printmaking. Given the age and significance of the original material created in 1881, published 1938, the individual prints sometimes enter the public domain, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study these vital examples of the artist’s oeuvre.