The Jockey (Le jockey)

The Jockey (Le jockey) is an iconic print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1899. This dynamic image, executed as a lithograph in black on delicate China paper, captures the tension and speed of the racetrack, a subject that fascinated many artists during this period of profound artistic innovation. The choice of the lithographic process allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to translate his characteristic rapid draftsmanship and expressive lines into reproducible prints, making modern urban subjects accessible to a wider audience.

Reflecting the artistic currents of the late 19th century in French culture, the work belongs stylistically and chronologically to the period between 1876 to 1900. While Toulouse-Lautrec is most famous for his theatrical depictions of cabaret life and the Parisian nightlife, scenes involving horses, riders, and the movement of the track were essential components of his observation of modern leisure. This particular piece is known for its stark contrasts and powerful compositional diagonals, focusing the viewer's eye rapidly across the scene and emphasizing the moment of physical exertion.

As a master of the print medium, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the inherent properties of the black ink and stark white paper to create a feeling of immediacy and journalistic authenticity. Unlike many of his multi-colored posters, this work emphasizes purely linear elements, showcasing the artist’s technical precision just before the turn of the century. This significant example of French graphic art is classified formally as a print and resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of its age and cultural importance, high-resolution prints of The Jockey are frequently studied globally, often entering the public domain, which allows broad access to the work of this essential Post-Impressionist master.