Tristan Bernard

Tristan Bernard is an evocative 1898 drypoint print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901). Lautrec executed this portrait using the drypoint technique on a zinc plate, producing the final image in dark brown ink on cream laid paper. This classification of print work exemplifies the artist's dedication to graphic media and his ability to capture the psychological nuance of his subjects.

The subject, Tristan Bernard (1866-1947), was a celebrated French playwright, humorist, and novelist who was deeply integrated into the intellectual and bohemian circles of fin de siècle Paris that Lautrec chronicled so thoroughly. Unlike the artist's better-known posters and lithographs, which were created for commercial advertising, this drypoint provides an intimate, non-commissioned view, demonstrating Lautrec's skill in fine art printmaking. The choice of drypoint, characterized by its soft, velvety line quality derived from the burr of the incised metal, lends a rich textural quality to the depiction of Bernard’s features.

Lautrec's graphic output from this era serves as a vital record of Parisian culture and the vibrant artistic milieu of France. The spontaneity and expressive line work evident in this piece place it among the most significant French prints of the Post-Impressionist period. This work is an integral part of the expansive collection of master prints housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, contributing to the understanding of the artist’s prolific, albeit brief, career. As historic artworks like Tristan Bernard continue to become accessible through the public domain, they serve as crucial resources for scholarship and appreciation worldwide.