I always think of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec as the late-nineteenth century's best artist without a movement attached to his name. He is an island unto himself in Art History. Certainly other artists used the Paris underworld for their work, but none as thoroughly as Toulouse-Lautrec.
This from The National Gallery's website:
"Artists' fascination with the decadent spirit and glamour of bohemian life in the Parisian district of Montmartre at the turn of the 20th century is the focus of this major exhibition of more than 250 works primarily by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901)."
It seems that Toulouse-Lautrec's legacy has largely been limited to his print work, but his paintings are very impressive. It is sad that Toulouse-Lautrec's style has been defined by the work he did for street posters. It is true that his street posters are very good, but certainly Art History owes his paintings a second look.
Well, The National Gallery just completed its exhibition on this subject, "Toulouse-Lautrec and Montmartre." But don't fret if you didn't get a chance to see it in Washington. It is on its way to the Art Institure of Chicago starting July 16.
This is a great exhibit because it essentially acts as a semi-retrospective of Toulouse-Lautrec's work from his most substanital period 1888-1896,--a barrage of his paintings, drawings, and prints.
Another great thing about the exhibit is that it includes works by other painters on the subject of Montmarte, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Degas.
Posted by Paul Hina at June 13, 2005 10:01 AM