Although Toulouse-Lautrec’sgraphic postersspeak for themselves in their enduring energy and design, it is meaningful to know their heritage.
Here, we presentsix essential factsabout Toulouse-Lautrec’s fascinating yet tragically short life.
Here are six facts about Post-Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s fascinating, bohemian life.
Gelatin silver print by Maurice Guibert of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec as both artist and model (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Toulouse-Lautrec was a nobleman.
It was customary for aristocratic families to practice patronage of the arts rather than working with their hands.
Alongside his graphic prints, Toulouse-Lautrec is perhaps best known for his short stature.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec by Maurice Guibert, 1892 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
Due to two separate accidents at the ages of 13 and 14, Toulouse-Lautrec broke both of his femurs.
As a member of high society, this disability resulted inmajor effectson the artist’s life.
The combination of talent and family connections soon fast-tracked him into several studios across Paris.
Left:Stock Photosfrom Everett Historical/Shutterstock; Right: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1894 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
The friendships Toulouse-Lautrec made at Cormon’s studio greatly influenced his art.
Since he felt shunned by the elite society, Toulouse-Lautrec delved instead into the theatrical underbelly of Paris.
Some 150 of the artist’s drawings and paintings are of the women he met at brothels.
“Portrait of Vincentvan Gogh,” Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1887 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
His draftsmanship captured the movement of dance and the energy of Parisian nightlife during theBelle Epoque.
A famous jack-of-all-trades, Toulouse-Lautrec produced an outstanding number of artworks throughout his career.
“Ambassadeurs: Aristide Bruant Dans Son Cabaret,” Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1892 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
“Moulin Rouge: La Goulue,” Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1891 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
“At the Moulin Rouge,” 1892 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
