Artwork

Portrait of a Man (Portrait d'un homme)

Portrait of a Man (Portrait d'un homme), by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1898
Portrait of a Man (Portrait d'un homme), by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1898

Portrait of a Man (Portrait d'un homme) is a print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Man (1898) is a print by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a French artist of noble birth who immersed himself in late 19th-century Paris's cultural and theatrical scenes, producing works across various mediums.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures a man with a contemplative, enigmatic expression, characterized by a subtle, suggestive smile and introspective gaze. His attire, a dark jacket with a high collar and neatly combed hair, conveys a sense of formality.

Technique & Style

Toulouse-Lautrec employs expressive lines, nuanced shading, and chiaroscuro to create depth, texture, and dramatic contrast, focusing attention on the subject's face and amplifying the emotional depth of the portrait.

History & Provenance

The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Toulouse-Lautrec's reputation for capturing the essence of individuals from diverse backgrounds, often from Paris's marginalized yet vibrant communities.

Context

Created amidst Toulouse-Lautrec's active engagement with Paris's late 19th-century artistic and theatrical circles, the portrait embodies the artist's ability to distill character, informed by his experiences among the city's theatrical and decadent milieus.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Artist

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Comte Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Montfa (24 November 1864 – 9 September 1901), known as Toulouse-Lautrec (French: ), was a French painter, printmaker, draughtsman, caricaturist, and illustrator.

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