Artwork
Woman on Her Back (Femme sur le dos)
Woman on Her Back (Femme sur le dos) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Woman on Her Back (Femme sur le dos) is a 1896 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a French artist known for his depictions of Parisian life. The print is executed in green and red-brown hues.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts a woman reclining on her back with her arms raised above her head, drawn in loose, expressive lines. The subject is rendered in a straightforward manner, reflecting Toulouse-Lautrec's interest in capturing figures from marginalized communities, including those in brothel settings.
Technique & Style
The print is characterized by quick, gestural lines that convey a sense of spontaneity. The artist's focus on capturing the basic shape and movement of the body rather than detailed representation contributes to the work's sketch-like quality.
History & Provenance
Toulouse-Lautrec was born into French aristocracy and experienced physical challenges due to injuries sustained in adolescence, which influenced his artistic focus on the human figure and urban life.
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.
Elles: Woman Lying on Her Back
The Siesta
A Child on a Couch, No. 2
Woman Combing Her Hair (Femme qui se peigne)
Sleep (Le sommeil)
The death of the strong, wicked man
Elles: Woman Sleeping
Study of a 'Sleeping Odalisque' after Ingres
Pensive Girl Adrift in a Boat
Frightened Man Looking Up; Woman and Children