Snobism was painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895.

Where can I see Snobism?

Snobism is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Snobism?

Snobism is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Snobism

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec , 1895

Snobism is a 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

Snobism is a 1895 print by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created using a pioneering photomechanical process. This work typifies the artist's fascination with capturing the nuances of late 19th-century Parisian society.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a crowded, potentially theatrical scene with individuals from varying social strata. A woman in a long dress interacts with another wearing a fancy hat, while two uniformed men observe formally nearby. The composition may critique or observe the social hierarchies and performances of the era.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, expressive lines and an emphasis on capturing movement over precise detail, Snobism reflects Toulouse-Lautrec's distinctive approach. The use of a photomechanical process, novel at the time, allowed for innovative reproduction and dissemination of his work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1895, Snobism is part of Toulouse-Lautrec's body of work influenced by his unique perspective as both an insider (born into aristocracy) and outsider (due to his physical condition). The exact provenance of the piece is not detailed here.

Context

Emerging from the vibrant, yet decadent, Parisian social landscape of the late 19th century, Snobism sits alongside Toulouse-Lautrec's other works that often highlighted theatrical and marginalized urban life aspects.

Legacy

As part of Toulouse-Lautrec's oeuvre, Snobism contributes to his legacy of capturing the essence of a bygone Parisian era through bold, expressive, and socially aware artwork. The piece's themes and style continue to offer insights into the social dynamics 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.