Washing, from "Elles"

Washing, from "Elles," is a seminal lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. This print, executed in two colors on wove paper, is a highlight of the artist's graphic output and belongs to his celebrated portfolio Elles. This groundbreaking series offered an unsensationalized, documentary glimpse into the daily, private lives of women in Parisian brothels, deliberately focusing on moments of mundane routine rather than idealized or provocative scenarios.

The composition centers intimately on the solitary act of bathing. The figure, a female nude, is captured from behind as she diligently washes herself, emphasizing routine and introspection. Toulouse-Lautrec utilizes his characteristic sharp, economical line work and a minimal color palette to render the scene with profound immediacy. His approach contrasts starkly with the contemporary French trend toward idealized forms, providing an honest, observational perspective that foregrounds the humanity and isolation of the subjects during the fin-de-siècle period.

This masterwork of French printmaking demonstrates Lautrec's profound understanding of the lithographic medium, employing planar color fields and defined contours to great effect. The artist’s innovative use of the poster aesthetic in fine prints cemented his status as a key figure in the Post-Impressionist movement. This significant piece resides within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as an essential reference for the graphic arts of the late 19th century. Due to the historical importance of the Elles series, this work is frequently studied and its images are often available through public domain art archives.