Album de Marine
Original title: Album de Marine: Sketchbook of 48 folios containing 17 watercolors and 27 black chalk and graphite sketches
kurzbeschreibung
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this sketchbook between 1879 and 1880. It contains 48 sheets, including 17 watercolors and 27 drawings in black chalk and graphite. One sheet shows the profile of a smoking man wearing a head covering and a jacket.
Description
A man in profile faces right, wearing a head covering and a collared jacket. His face turns slightly left as he smokes a cigarette. Precise lines define the contours and folds of his clothing and face. The background stays empty, so attention falls entirely on the figure. No other objects or people appear.
Context
The sketchbook dates from 1879–80, when Toulouse-Lautrec was still young and undergoing his artistic training. Combining watercolor, graphite, and chalk shows his early experimentation with different media. Subjects like the smoking man reveal his interest in everyday scenes and portraits, which later became central to his work.
Impact
Exact lines and focus on the figure give the sheet a calm, familiar presence. Because the surroundings remain empty, all attention goes to the person and his posture. This creates a thoughtful mood.
Technique
Graphite, watercolor, and black chalk come together on paper. These materials allow both fine lines and soft shading, as seen in the detailed rendering of face and clothing. The dimensions of 14.9 x 23.5 cm match a sketchbook and make it easy to handle.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)