Washing, from "Elles" (1896, Met-Objekt 917)
Original title: Washing, from "Elles"
kurzbeschreibung
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made the lithograph "Washing" in 1896 as part of his series "Elles". It shows a woman bending over a basin, scooping water with her hands. Printed in two colors on wove paper, this sheet belongs to a group that depicts the daily lives of women in brothels.
Description
A woman leans over the edge of a washbasin, gathering water in her hands; her hair is tied in a bun. Behind her, another figure is faintly indicated in a room or hut. Gray tones dominate, produced by the lithographic process. Frontal light models the forms of the body and the basin. The drawing is rich in detail, with visible strokes emphasizing texture and shape.
Context
"Elles" (1896) gathers scenes from the everyday lives of prostitutes in Parisian brothels. Toulouse-Lautrec presents the women not as exotic creatures but in familiar, ordinary moments. The lithographs were published in an edition of 100 and aimed at a broader public. The series ranks among the high points of the artist's printed work.
Impact
The subdued color and calm layout give the scene a private, almost intimate mood. The view feels plain and sympathetic, without sentimental heightening. The drawn lines lend the sheet an immediate, sketch-like freshness.
Technique
Lithograph in two colors on wove paper. The technique relies on the opposition of grease and water on a stone or metal plate; Toulouse-Lautrec often used chalk lithography, which allows drawn effects. Printing was done on a hand press, with the colors applied in separate passes.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)