Napoleon
Original title: Napoleon
kurzbeschreibung
Three horsemen appear in lively array in Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's 1895 lithograph 'Napoleon'. The print was made in six colors using crayon, brush, and spatter technique on wove paper.
Description
A figure in a dark jacket and simple headwear rides a white horse at the center. To the right, a rider in a blue-yellow uniform with a striking cap sits on a red horse; to the left, another in a red-white uniform is mounted on a blue-red painted horse. A flag hangs from a pole behind them. Grays and blues dominate the palette, broken by red and blue accents.
Context
Toulouse-Lautrec created this lithograph in 1895, when he was primarily known for posters and prints of Parisian nightlife. The sheet belongs to his few works with historical and military subjects. The riders refer to Napoleonic iconography, which remained popular in France until the late 19th century.
Impact
The lithograph feels lively and expressive due to its unusual color choice and the movement of the horses. Fine crayon lines and spatter effects create a vibrating surface that makes the historical subject appear modern.
Technique
The sheet was printed as a lithograph in six colors using crayon, brush, and spatter technique. It was printed on wove paper in the only state, which underscores the rarity and collector's value of the work.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)