L'Exemple de Ninon de Lenclos, Amoureuse
Original title: L'Exemple de Ninon de Lenclos, Amoureuse
kurzbeschreibung
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec contributed the lithograph 'L'Exemple de Ninon de Lenclos, Amoureuse' in 1898 as the title page for Jean de Tinan's novel of the same name. Two female figures appear in black and white, one seated and the other kneeling. The lithograph was printed on vellum and measures 17.9 x 12.1 cm.
Description
Two stylized women stand out against a restrained background. One is seated in an armchair, looking to the left, while the other kneels before her and offers an object. The novel's title appears in large letters, with the author's name at the upper left. At the bottom, the publisher's details for Mercure de France and a note about the second edition complete the design.
Context
This lithograph served as the cover image for Jean de Tinan's novel, published by Mercure de France in 1898. It belongs to Toulouse-Lautrec's late years, when he focused mainly on posters and printmaking. The print was used for the second edition of the novel, indicating a connection between the artist and the publisher.
Impact
The restriction to black and white and the clear layout give the title page a noble reserve. The intimate encounter between the two women conveys a quiet, reflective mood that harmonizes with the novel. Graphic simplicity and concentration on the figures shape the impression of the print.
Technique
The work was executed as a lithograph on vellum, a fine laid paper. It was printed in black and white, as was common for book illustrations of the period. Cleanly set lines and areas demonstrate Toulouse-Lautrec's mastery of lithography.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)