Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Historical Figure
Occupation
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a famous printmaker, painter, illustrator, and draftsman. Henri was most widely known for his artwork representing what had been modern night life. Also well known for being involved of in the beginnings of printmaking that developed during the 1800s.
Major Accomplishments
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sometimes used his printmaking as advertisements for theater and as representations of theatrical life, often depicting prostitutes and dancers. According to Cora Michael (http://www.metmuseum.org) "His paintings of dancehall performers and prostitutes are personal and humanistic, revealing the sadness and humor hidden beneath rice powder and gaslights." His depictions of others are what set him apart from the rest and helped him to succeed. Henri also gained a lot of attention for his portraits. Such as his portrait of Vincent Van Gogh (1887).
At the Moulin Rouge, The Dance
Confetti Poster: 1894
La Toilette, oil on board, 1889.
Life in Paris
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born in Albi France in 1864. He moved to Paris in 1882 to study art under the instruction of academic painters (Leon Bonnat and Fernand Cormon). Vincent Van Gogh had also studied with these mentors and the two met in Paris. While in Paris Henri found a subject who would become the focus of many of his paintings, Marie Charlet who introduced him to the world of night life. Henri exhibited his work at many reputable halls in Paris and inspired many with his use of impressionism.