The artwork, known as “The original cover for Print,” was created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec circa 1895. This work falls under the Post-Impressionism movement and is categorized as a sketch and study. It is housed in the Brooklyn Museum, located in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork presents a dynamic composition that features a central figure seated with her back to the viewer, dominating the foreground. She is depicted with elegant informality, resting comfortably within an interior space, partially clad, suggesting an intimate atmosphere. Her pose and the lines of her body bring a sense of lush curvature and softness to the work, contrasting with the more rigid forms surrounding her.
To her right, the composition is punctuated by a classical column atop which perches a sculptural figure, hinting at an admiration for antiquity and the aesthetic dialogue between the classic and contemporary. Framing this column is a list of names, creating a visual anchor within the image and perhaps alluding to some form of dedication or acknowledgment.
In the background, two other figures continue the theme of artistic production; one appears to be engaged in the physical act of printmaking, while the other, further back, is observed in silhouette. It is a scene that captures both the stillness of contemplation and the activity of creation, emblematic of Lautrec’s profound engagement with the world of art. The varying depths of the drawing, achieved through delicate shading and intricate line work, create a sense of space and narrative within the medium’s two-dimensional constraints. This piece, with its careful attention to form and detail, is a subtle testimony to the artist’s mastery and exploration beyond the confines of traditional impressionism.
