Artwork
Portrait of a Man (Portrait d'un homme)

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
Artist
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.



















