Artwork

At the Hanneton (Au Hanneton)

At the Hanneton (Au Hanneton), by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, ink, 1898
At the Hanneton (Au Hanneton), by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, ink, 1898

At the Hanneton (Au Hanneton) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

At the Hanneton (Au Hanneton) is a 1898 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, executed in black on velin paper. Characteristic of his oeuvre, it captures a moment of Parisian life, though in a more subdued tone than his typical nightlife scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene street scene with two individuals walking together, one aided by a cane, the other with a hat pulled low, accompanied by a dog. The composition conveys a sense of everyday, quiet life in Paris, contrasting with the vibrant cabaret scenes Toulouse-Lautrec is often associated with.

Technique & Style

Toulouse-Lautrec utilized lithography, a technique allowing direct drawing onto stone for printing, to create this work. The result is a rough, sketchy appearance, suggesting a quickly drawn piece. The simple, expressive lines are consistent with his stylistic approach to capturing the essence of a scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1898, At the Hanneton is part of a series by the artist focusing on various aspects of Parisian life. Toulouse-Lautrec's involvement with Paris's bohemian circles, influenced by his physical condition and aristocratic background, deeply informed his artistic subjects.

Context

This work reflects Toulouse-Lautrec's broader engagement with late 19th-century Parisian culture, though it presents a more subdued, everyday facet of life compared to his more renowned depictions of theatrical and decadent nightlife.

Legacy

As part of Toulouse-Lautrec's portfolio, At the Hanneton contributes to his legacy as a chronicler of Parisian life in the late 19th century, showcasing his ability to capture both the vibrant and the mundane with equal simplicity and elegance.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.