Tristan Bernard

"Tristan Bernard" is a drypoint print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898. This distinctive work, a quintessential example of the artist's late 19th-century graphic output, captures the likeness of the French writer and playwright, Tristan Bernard (1866-1947). The chosen medium, drypoint, involves scratching directly into a copper plate with a sharp needle. This process raises a burr of metal along the scratched line, which, when inked and printed, produces the characteristic soft, velvety lines and rich tonal effects visible in the final image.

The immediacy and expressive economy of the drypoint line were hallmarks of Toulouse-Lautrec’s approach to portraiture during this time. Unlike his famous color lithographs, which often captured the frenetic energy of Parisian nightlife, this piece emphasizes the intellectual composure and individual personality of the sitter with characteristic clarity and minimal background detail. The rapid execution inherent in the drypoint technique suited the artist's dedication to capturing fleeting moments and expressions.

Although the work was executed in 1898, shortly before the artist's premature death, this impression of Tristan Bernard was formally published in 1920. This later publication date of 1920 reflects the enduring interest in Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery of French prints well into the 20th century, cementing his status as a key figure in post-Impressionist art. The piece resides within the comprehensive collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York. While specific prints and editions are carefully cataloged by institutions globally, the availability and quality of graphic works like this, which often enter the public domain, ensure they remain vital resources for both academic study and appreciation.