Cover for "L'Estampe originale, Album I, publiée par le Journal des Artistes"
Original title: Cover for "L'Estampe originale, Album I, publiée par les Journal des Artistes"
kurzbeschreibung
Rather than a stand-alone print like the others in this series, this 1893 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec serves as the cover for the album L'Estampe originale, published by the Journal des Artistes. It shows a woman and a man in a print workshop. The image was printed in six colors on folded wove paper.
Description
In the foreground, a woman in an orange coat, black hat, and striking feather holds a sheet of paper and looks to the left. Beside her, a man in a green shirt and dark trousers works at a printing table covered with tools and ink pots. A curtained window and the words “l'estampe originale publiée par le Journal des artistes” and “Toulouse 93” appear behind them. The palette is mostly pastel, with strong contrasts.
Context
The print was made for the first issue of L'Estampe originale, a publication from the Journal des Artistes that presented original graphics by contemporary artists. In the 1890s, Toulouse-Lautrec was one of Paris's sought-after poster and graphic designers, known for his scenes of Montmartre life. Conceived as an album cover, this lithograph offers a glimpse into a typical print workshop.
Impact
Lively pastel tones and a dynamic layout draw the viewer into the world of printmaking. Realistic and symbolic elements intermingle, giving the sheet its own expressive power. It stands as a prime example of Belle Époque printmaking.
Technique
The work is a lithograph printed in six colors on folded wove paper. Only one state of the print exists (only state). The lithographic process allowed for fine gradations and a broad color palette, which benefited the pastel tones and contrasts.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)