The artwork “Coverage of the Original Print” created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1893 is an emblematic piece falling under the Art Nouveau movement, specifically within the domain of design. It exemplifies the aesthetic sensibilities and thematic preoccupations of the period, characterized by a synthesis of fine art and applied art towards the creation of both beautiful and functional forms.
In the artwork, the scene is set in an indoor environment likely to be a printmaking studio. The composition presents two figures, each engaged in distinct activities. On the left, a man appears operating a printmaking press; he is attentively focused on his task, with his left hand on the press lever and his right hand touching the paper or material being printed. His attire suggests workman’s clothes, a depiction of an artisan deeply invested in the manual aspect of art creation.
In contrast, on the right, a woman dressed in a cloak and a flamboyant hat indicative of the fashion of the time stands reading a sheet of paper, possibly proofing the text or image. Her posture and attire imply a more casual or critique-like engagement with the print, embodying the consumer or critic’s role in the art process. The juxtaposition of these two characters implies a narrative of creation and reception, hinting at the multifaceted nature of the art world.
The print includes French text above the central figure, which translates to “the original print published by the Journal of Artists.” This caption would likely denote the artwork’s purpose, which serves both as an advertisement and as a testament to the collaborative process between the artists, the publishers, and the audience.
The subdued pastel color palette, with dominant greens and pinks, along with the stylized line work, are characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s artistic style and contribute to the piece’s Art Nouveau classification. The flatness of color and the absence of depth create a focus on the decorative qualities and the silhouette-like rendering of the figures, which enhances the overall design-oriented intent of the artwork.
