Wisdom (Sagesse)

"Wisdom (Sagesse)" is a significant print created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1893. Executed as a lithograph in black on delicate Japan paper, this piece exemplifies the artist’s mastery of graphic media during the height of the Belle Époque. As an important figure in the Parisian avant-garde, Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the lithographic process to capture the specific character and atmosphere of French culture during the late 19th century.

The years spanning 1876 to 1900 were crucial for modern printmaking, and Toulouse-Lautrec was instrumental in elevating the lithograph from commercial application to fine art. Unlike the detailed color prints he produced for posters and advertisements, this work uses only black ink, emphasizing the dynamic line and expressive texture achieved on the specialized Japan paper. This focus on line and silhouette is characteristic of the Post-Impressionist period, reflecting the era’s fascination with Japanese ukiyo-e prints. Toulouse-Lautrec demonstrates the sophistication with which he could render form and emotion using minimal means. The composition, although stark, conveys a profound depth of character typical of the artist's empathetic depictions of human subjects.

This exceptional example of French graphic art from 1893 is housed within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. The print underscores Toulouse-Lautrec’s essential contribution to the art world beyond his better-known paintings. Recognized globally for their artistic and historical merit, the technical brilliance found in his lithographic prints ensures their continued study. Access to high-quality images of this artist’s foundational works is often granted via the institution's public domain policy, allowing broad scholarly engagement with the pivotal art of the 19th century.