Artwork

The Vintages!: Title Page

The Vintages!: Title Page, by Henri de Groux, 1894
The Vintages!: Title Page, by Henri de Groux, 1894

The Vintages!: Title Page is a print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Groux. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Vintages!

About this work

Overview

The Vintages!: Title Page is a 1894 lithograph by Belgian artist Henri de Groux, created during his involvement with the Symbolist movement. The work serves as the title page for an unspecified publication, characterized by a haunting black-and-white design.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph features a somber, expressive depiction of a shadowy face immersed in a dark, tangled mass of hair, evoking introspection or spectral presence. This imagery aligns with Symbolist themes of emphasizing subjective emotional states through symbolic, often enigmatic, visuals.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the piece contrasts a plain, faded background with a prominently rendered, darkly nuanced face and hair, leveraging the medium's capabilities for expressive line work and tonal depth.

History & Provenance

Created in 1894, the work is part of Henri de Groux's output during his time in Paris, following initial recognition in Brussels. It is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

The Vintages!: Title Page reflects de Groux's transition towards Symbolist ideals, diverging from his earlier, more realistic works like *Christ attacked by a mob* (1889). It embodies the movement's focus on emotional and symbolic expression prevalent in late 19th-century European art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri de Groux

Artist

Henri de Groux

Henry de Groux (15 September 1866 – 12 January 1930) was a Belgian Symbolist painter, sculptor and lithographer.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.