Artwork
Les vieux papillons
Les vieux papillons 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
Les vieux papillons is a 1895 lithograph in black on velin paper by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a French artist known for capturing the essence of Parisian life.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two figures in a dimly lit interior, engaged in quiet conversation. The contrast between their dark and light attire creates a sense of intimacy, while the small object on the floor between them adds a layer of intrigue to the scene.
Technique & Style
Toulouse-Lautrec's use of lithography lends the image a textured quality, while the predominantly dark color palette and soft lighting evoke a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Context
This work is characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec's late 19th-century output, which often explored the city's nightlife and marginal characters, drawing on his own experiences in brothels and social gatherings.
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.
Rejane and Galipaux in "Madame Sans-Gêne" (Réjane et Galipaux dans "Madame Sans-Gêne")
Wounded Eros (Eros vanné)
Lender and Auguez in "La chanson de fortunio" (Lender et Auguez dans "La chanson de fortunio")
Wounded Eros (Eros vanné)
Laboratoire
"J'ose pas encore aller le décrocher...ça lui fera trop de peine." ("I don't dare take them down...it would hurt him too much.")
En quarante
Why Not?...Once Is Not a Habit (Pourquoi pas?...Une fois n'est pas coutume)
Une saisie (A Seizure)
Trois dessins sur une feuille (Three Drawings on a Sheet)
The Old Gentlemen (Les vieux messieurs)
Lugne Poe and Baldy in "Au-dessus des forces humaines" (Lugne Poe et Baldy dans "Au-desses des forces humaines")