Artwork
Why Not?...Once Is Not a Habit (Pourquoi pas?...Une fois n'est pas coutume)
Why Not?...Once Is Not a Habit (Pourquoi pas?...Une fois n'est pas coutume) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Why Not?
About this work
Overview
Why Not?...Once Is Not a Habit is a 1893 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, printed in olive green on velin paper. It is a print that captures a moment from Parisian nightlife.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts two figures in a dimly lit setting, one dressed formally and smoking, the other in a flowing dress leaning in. The scene conveys a sense of intimacy and informality, reflecting Toulouse-Lautrec's fascination with the city's theatrical and social culture.
Technique & Style
Toulouse-Lautrec employed a sketchy, spontaneous style, prioritizing movement and mood over detailed representation. The olive-green tint and loose lines contribute to the work's sense of immediacy and energy.
Context
Toulouse-Lautrec's work was influenced by his immersion in late 19th-century Parisian culture, particularly its nightlife and theatrical scenes. His aristocratic background and personal experiences, including physical disability, also informed his artistic perspective.
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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.
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