Polaire was painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1897.

Where can I see Polaire?

Polaire is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Polaire?

Polaire is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Polaire

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec , 1897

Polaire is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Polaire is a 1897 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, capturing a moment of introspection with a figure from Paris's entertainment scene, characterized by loose, expressive lines on warm-toned velin paper.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified by her distinctive curly hairstyle and feather adornment, is Polaire, a performer of the time. Her contemplative pose, with head in hand and gaze downward, conveys a sense of quiet solitude amidst the bustling nightlife Toulouse-Lautrec often depicted.

Technique & Style

Executed in black lithograph on velin paper, the work showcases Toulouse-Lautrec's mastery of lithography, allowing for direct stone drawing. The loose, quick lines evoke a sketch-like immediacy, contrasting with the soft, warm paper tone that heightens the black ink's visibility.

History & Provenance

Created in 1897, Polaire reflects Toulouse-Lautrec's deep engagement with Parisian subcultures, a perspective partly shaped by his experiences as an outsider due to his physical condition. The artwork's specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

Polaire sits within Toulouse-Lautrec's broader oeuvre focusing on late 19th-century Parisian nightlife, including performers, brothels, and cabarets. This context underscores the artist's fascination with the lives of those on the margins of high society.

Legacy

As part of Toulouse-Lautrec's body of work, Polaire contributes to the enduring legacy of capturing the essence of fin-de-siècle Paris through the lens of its nightlife and performers, influencing subsequent artistic explorations of urban life and marginal communities.

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.