Who painted Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto]?

Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto] was painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895.

Where can I see Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto]?

Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto]?

Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto] is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto]

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec , 1895

Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat) [left recto] is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Footit and Chocolat (Footit et Chocolat), a 1895 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, captures the dynamic personas of two popular clowns within Paris's vibrant entertainment scene.

Subject & Meaning

Surrounding them are chaotic, miniature illustrations of people, animals, and abstract shapes, evoking the frenetic atmosphere of a circus or carnival.

The print depicts Footit, a tall, slender figure in mid-leap with exaggerated limbs, and Chocolat, a stocky man with a large head, holding a small, baby-like figure. Surrounding them are chaotic, miniature illustrations of people, animals, and abstract shapes, evoking the frenetic atmosphere of a circus or carnival. The image may allude to the performers' roles and the artist's fascination with the theatrical world.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the piece showcases Toulouse-Lautrec's mastery of the medium, characterized by smooth lines and expressive rendering of the clowns' physicality. The inclusion of tiny, disparate elements around the main figures reflects his ability to balance complexity with clarity in composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1895, during Toulouse-Lautrec's deep involvement with Paris's bohemian and theatrical circles, the work is a product of his unique perspective, influenced by both his aristocratic background and his physical condition, which drew him to the lives of performers and outcasts.

Context

This lithograph is part of Toulouse-Lautrec's broader oeuvre documenting late 19th-century Parisian nightlife and entertainment figures, offering a glimpse into the era's cultural landscape. The accompanying French text, blending humor with a promotional message, further situates the work within the commercial and playful spirit of the time.

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.