Woman Fastening a Corset, Passing Conquest, plate nine from Elles is a significant color lithograph created in 1896 by the French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901). This intimate scene is part of the famed Elles series, through which Toulouse-Lautrec offered a candid, non-judgmental glimpse into the private lives of Parisian women working in brothels, eschewing the often-sensationalized depictions common in fin-de-siècle France. The print, characterized by the artist’s fluid line and masterful use of lithography, captures a moment of quiet introspection as the woman adjusts her corset, suggesting the transitional state between public presentation and private vulnerability.
The technical execution of this piece is notable. Published by Gustave Pellet (1859-1919) and likely printed by Auguste Clot (1858-1936), the work demonstrates the sophisticated printing techniques available at the end of the 19th century. Toulouse-Lautrec utilized the medium of color lithograph on ivory wove paper to achieve nuanced tones and textures, defining the figure with broad washes of color rather than traditional outlines.
As a print, this piece exemplifies Toulouse-Lautrec’s dedication to modernizing graphic arts and utilizing prints as a primary artistic medium. The work, reflecting French culture of the period, is held within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Art enthusiasts and historians often study this series for its groundbreaking honesty and stylistic innovation in depicting everyday life.
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