Confetti (1894, Met-Objekt 814)
Original title: Confetti
kurzbeschreibung
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's 1894 print 'Konfetti' presents a woman in profile, surrounded by hands that reach down from above. This lithograph, printed in three colors on vellum, measures 56.0 x 44.0 cm. Portrait and ornamental structure merge into one another.
Description
A woman forms the focal point, her head turned upward, flowing hair falling over her shoulder. Her dress has a high collar and a bow at the neck; her posture appears noble and measured. Above her, several carefully executed hands reach into the image from above. Small dark spots reminiscent of confetti are scattered across the background. The layout is symmetrically ordered around the figure, and the color scheme remains limited to black and white.
Context
This lithograph dates from 1894, a period when Toulouse-Lautrec had gained prominence with posters and prints. It was produced by the London firm J. & E. Bella, printed by Bella & de Malherbe in London and Paris. The title 'Confetti' alludes to the carnival and festive culture widespread at the time, in which confetti played a part.
Impact
A peculiar tension arises between the calm, upright woman and the hands intruding from above. The few colors and clear lines give the print graphic conciseness and draw the eye to the central figure. The symmetrical arrangement feels balanced, yet the scene remains enigmatic.
Technique
The print was made as a lithograph in three colors on vellum. The process uses the repulsion of grease and water on stone plates to transfer fine lines and areas. Printing on vellum, a high-quality handmade paper, underscores the artistic quality of the print.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)