Toulouse Lautrec's Bohemian Brushstrokes

Hello,

I've been gathering art reference books since my university days, but I haven't delved into them yet. That's about to change! I've made a commitment to dive into my collection, reading through each book, and sharing my insights on my blog every month.

I will begin with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a personal favorite and a key figure in the Art Nouveau movement. Would you believe I have about eight books dedicated to him? Most of these gems were discovered during our weekend op shop adventures.

Toulouse-Lautrec's influence, especially through his iconic posters and paintings, will be a prominent feature on my blog. Join me as we uncover the depth and beauty of his legacy together!

Let's dive in!

Early Life and Development

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec came into the world in 1864 on his family's vast estate in Albi. He hailed from a noble lineage, being the descendant of the counts of the Toulouse region in France. For generations, his family had been esteemed for their military prowess, administrative skills, and loyalty to the court. This background paints a picture of privilege, indicating that when Toulouse-Lautrec chose to pursue art, he did so from a place of financial security.

However, this noble heritage also carried a burden. Centuries of intermarriage within the family had resulted in various genetic health challenges. Lautrec, whose parents were first cousins, grappled with several illnesses, including a rare congenital bone condition that made his bones brittle. His health struggles were exacerbated by two childhood accidents, during which he broke both thighs in consecutive years starting at age thirteen. Consequently, his legs ceased to grow while the rest of his body developed, leaving him with a full adult height of only 150cm.

These physical challenges profoundly influenced Lautrec's life and art. His unique appearance shaped his sense of humor and perspective, leading him to find kinship with marginalized social groups such as circus performers, music-hall artists, brothel inhabitants, and prostitutes. These unconventional connections became central themes in his work, offering a vivid portrayal of the bohemian lifestyle prevalent in Paris during his time.

The Model: Unveiling Lautrec's Artistry

From the early stages of his artistic journey to his later works, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec demonstrated a remarkable ability to capture the essence of his models. However, this exceptional talent didn't translate into lucrative portrait commissions for Lautrec. Instead, his portrayals often veered towards satirical or unflattering depictions, which made wealthy society women hesitant to sit for him. Lautrec, uninterested in conventional portrait commissions, found his muse in the less privileged individuals populating the vibrant life of Paris at the time.

One captivating facet of Lautrec's artistic world was his fascination with women possessing fiery red hair. Among his earliest muses was Carmen Gaudin, characterized by her striking copper locks. Lautrec's series of paintings featuring Carmen not only showcased his evolving artistic style but also hinted at the depth of his connection to his models.

Additionally, Lautrec's choice of models often reflected his social and political views. He frequently depicted dancers, singers, and workers from the bohemian and marginalized communities, highlighting their resilience and humanity in the face of societal prejudices. This conscious selection of models infused his artworks with a deeper narrative, inviting viewers to contemplate not just the aesthetics but also the underlying societal dynamics of his time.

In essence, Lautrec's approach to his models transcended mere representation; it became a canvas for exploring themes of identity, beauty standards, and social stratification, leaving a lasting impact on the art world and sparking discussions that continue to resonate today.

House of tolerance: Toulouse-Lautrec's Artistic Sanctuary

In the late 19th century, France's government and police regulated prostitution, viewing it as a normal part of male adolescent life. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, due to his physical disabilities and fear of rejection, found solace in the world of brothels rather than pursuing relationships through traditional means. He frequented several establishments in Montmartre, notably the 24 Rue des Moulins, which he even listed as his address at one point. However, his visits to these houses went beyond mere gratification; they became sources of inspiration for his art.

Lautrec saw these spaces not just as venues for personal satisfaction but as theaters of life, where he could observe and document the intimate moments and activities of the women who worked there. His presence was welcomed, as the lack of self-consciousness among the women allowed him to capture candid and authentic scenes in his artwork. Between 1891 and 1895, Lautrec produced a prolific body of work depicting the nuances and realities of life within these closed houses.

Despite his immersion in the world of brothels, questions arise about Lautrec's personal romantic life. The only documented serious relationship he had was with Suzanne Valadon, a young woman from the countryside who came to Paris seeking work. Valadon balanced her aspirations of becoming a painter with her job as a laundress. Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by periods of living together followed by separation. It ultimately ended when Valadon, in an attempt to manipulate Lautrec into marriage, staged a suicide attempt.

These aspects of Lautrec's life reveal the complex intersections between personal experiences, artistic inspiration, and societal norms of the time. His art not only captured the vibrant and sometimes controversial aspects of Parisian life but also reflected his own struggles, desires, and relationships, creating a rich tapestry of human experience in his work.

The Vibrant World of Performance Art

Despite hailing from a conservative background that restricted him from signing his artworks with his family name, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec embraced the vibrant pulse of modern Parisian life. His enduring passion for performance art—spanning dance, theater, opera, cabaret, and more—reflected a philosophy aligned with the avant-garde spirit of late 19th-century Paris and the lively spectacles of Montmartre. His artistic canvas often featured characters from the Parisian underworld, including the iconic singer-songwriter Aristide Bruant, the spirited dancer La Goulue from Moulin Rouge, and the dynamic Jane Avril.

Moulin Rouge: La Goulue

Japanese woodblock prints exerted a profound influence on Lautrec's artistic evolution. Drawn to their aesthetics, techniques, and subject matter from the Edo period, he developed a distinct style marked by bold lines, vibrant colors, and a keen focus on capturing the essence of his subjects. His monumental work, the Moulin Rouge poster featuring La Goulue (Louise Weber), exemplifies this fusion of influences. Embracing lithographic printing, Lautrec created a striking silhouette of La Goulue, inspired by the artistry of shadow theater and the allure of Japanese prints. The poster's street presence in 1891 solidified Lautrec's stature as a prominent artist of his time.

Aristide Bruant

Lautrec's frequent visits to the Mirliton cabaret, owned by Aristide Bruant, forged a friendship that deeply influenced his art. Bruant's poignant songs about abandoned prostitutes and the struggles of marginalized individuals provided rich fodder for Lautrec's creative vision. When Bruant commissioned Lautrec to design a poster for his show at Les Ambassadeurs, a café concert, Lautrec's innovative use of silhouette and bold colors captured the essence of Bruant's charismatic persona. Despite initial resistance, the poster became a sensation, solidifying Lautrec's reputation as a master of his craft.

Well, this is the end of my blog about Toulouse Lautrec. While I couldn't capture every details of his life, I hope those highlights provide a better understanding of this talented artist of the 19th century. Exploring Lautrec's art is not just about understanding history; it's about uncovering a deeply human experience that transcends time and speaks to the soul of creativity itself.

Source:

• Denys, S. (1962). Toulouse Lautrec - 48 Paintings and Lithographs Reproduced In Full Colour. London: Spring Books.

• Jane, K., & Stephane, G. (2012). Toulouse Lautrec - Paris & The Moulin Rouge. Canberra: National Gallery of Australia.

• Christopher, A. (2003). History & Techniques of The Great Masters Toulouse Lautrec. London: Quantum Publishing. 

• Jesse, M. (1994). Toulouse Lautrec. London: Bison Books.

• Fritz,N. (1969). Toulouse Lautrec with 163 Illustrations. London: PHAIDON Press.

• Douglas, C. (1952). "Nothing exists but the figures" - Toulouse Lautrec. New York: Harry N. Abrams Publisher.

• Gerhard, G (1996). Henri de Toulouse Lautrec. Twickenham: Tiger Books International PLC.