Artwork
Touc, Seated on a Table
Touc, Seated on a Table is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Hammer Museum. Created in 1890, this oil on canvas by Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec presents a solitary French Bulldog perched on a tabletop.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1890, this oil on canvas by Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec presents a solitary French Bulldog perched on a tabletop. The composition isolates the animal against a muted, earthy backdrop, inviting the viewer into a quiet, domestic scene. The work resides in the permanent collection of the Hammer Museum, where it is displayed among other late‑19th‑century French paintings.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on a single French Bulldog, its dark brown coat and alert posture rendered with careful observation. The dog’s slight head tilt and perked ears convey a sense of curiosity, while the intimate setting suggests a moment of calm companionship, reflecting the artist’s interest in everyday subjects beyond the bustling nightlife for which he is best known.
Technique & Style
Executed in a post‑impressionist manner, the piece employs thick, textured brushstrokes that give the canine’s fur a tactile quality. The warm, earthy ground color serves as a subtle foil to the darker fur, enhancing its volume. Toulouse‑Lautrec’s handling of light and shadow is restrained, emphasizing form over decorative detail.
History & Provenance
Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec, an aristocratic French painter active in the late 1800s, produced this work during a period when he explored a variety of subjects beyond his famed nightlife scenes. After changing hands through private collections, the painting was acquired by the Hammer Museum, where it has been part of the public display since its accession.
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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.
