"The Jockey" is a celebrated lithograph created by the pivotal Post-Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) in 1899. This print is a powerful example of the sophisticated graphic arts being produced in France at the close of the 19th century. Lautrec executed the image using the technique of lithography on grayish-ivory laid China paper, a specialized choice that allowed him to achieve rich, subtle tonal variations and his characteristic fluid line.
As a chronicler of Parisian life, Lautrec frequently explored themes of urban entertainment, from the cabarets of Montmartre to the excitement of the racetrack. The Jockey captures the energy and high speed of horse racing, a leisure pursuit popular among the Belle Époque elite. The composition is dynamic yet remarkably economical, utilizing only a few swift lines to delineate the form of the jockey in motion and the implied tension of the scene.
Lautrec’s mastery of the graphic medium transformed lithography from a primarily commercial tool into an expressive vehicle for high art. This late-career print demonstrates his ongoing stylistic evolution, focusing intently on the observation of movement rather than the narrative drama present in some of his earlier posters and illustrations. Produced just two years before the artist’s untimely death, this work remains highly regarded by collectors of French prints. This impression of The Jockey is held within the renowned collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as an important historical record of 1890s graphic innovation.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.