Who painted Un Cimetière en Galicie?

Un Cimetière en Galicie was painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1898.

Where can I see Un Cimetière en Galicie?

Un Cimetière en Galicie is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Un Cimetière en Galicie?

Un Cimetière en Galicie is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Un Cimetière en Galicie

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec , 1898

Un Cimetière en Galicie 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

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s 1898 print *Un Cimetière en Galicie* depicts a desolate burial ground in the Galician region. The composition is dominated by withered trees, weathered tombstones, and a fallen bird whose scattered feathers emphasize the scene’s quiet decay. A distant fence and sparse buildings frame the setting, suggesting an isolated, perhaps rural, landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a stark, almost melancholic view of death and abandonment, contrasting with Lautrec’s more familiar portrayals of Parisian nightlife. By focusing on a neglected cemetery, the artist invites contemplation of mortality and the passage of time, underscoring the universal vulnerability of both place and body.

Technique & Style

Executed with rapid, loose strokes, the print conveys a sense of immediacy, as if drawn on site. The sketchy line work and minimal shading create a raw, unfinished quality, highlighting texture over detail. This approach aligns with Lautrec’s broader interest in capturing fleeting impressions rather than polished realism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1898, the piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of late‑19th‑century prints. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing the diverse output of Toulouse‑Lautrec beyond his well‑known depictions of Parisian cabarets.

Context

While Lautrec is chiefly associated with the bohemian life of Montmartre, his oeuvre also includes explorations of peripheral environments. This cemetery study illustrates his willingness to venture beyond urban subjects, documenting the quieter, marginal spaces that also shaped the cultural landscape of his era.

Artist & collection

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.