Artwork
Emilienne d'Alençon
Emilienne d'Alençon is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Emilienne d'Alençon is a lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896 on cream-colored velin paper, rendered in black ink. The work captures a moment between two figures in a dimly lit interior.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two individuals in a subdued, intimate setting: one seated with a partially illuminated face, the other standing and holding a small, unspecified object. The scene conveys a sense of quiet, personal interaction, characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s focus on capturing the private lives of Paris’s social and artistic figures.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the piece exhibits the medium’s distinctive soft, sketchy quality, achieved by drawing on a smooth stone before printing. Toulouse-Lautrec’s loose, rapid lines enhance the impression of a swift, observational sketch, contrasting with the more polished appearance of painted works.
History & Provenance
Created in 1896, Emilienne d'Alençon reflects Toulouse-Lautrec’s established interest in Parisian nightlife and social portraits during the late 19th century. However, specific details regarding its exhibition history, ownership, or reception at the time of creation are not provided.
Context
This work is set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of late 19th-century Paris, where Toulouse-Lautrec was a key figure in capturing the era’s theatrical and social life. While Emilienne d'Alençon focuses on a quieter moment, it aligns with the artist’s broader exploration of the city’s diverse social landscapes.
Legacy
As part of Toulouse-Lautrec’s oeuvre, Emilienne d'Alençon contributes to the artist’s enduring legacy in capturing the essence of late 19th-century Parisian life. Its use of lithography also highlights Toulouse-Lautrec’s experimentation with and mastery of print techniques, influencing subsequent generations of artists.
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.
