Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born on November 24, 1864, in Albi, France. He was a key figure in the Post-Impressionist era, known for his vibrant and innovative approach to depicting the nightlife of Paris, particularly in the Montmartre district.
Henri was born into an aristocratic family, the son of Alphonse Charles, Comte de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa, and Adèle Tapié de Céleyran. His parents were first cousins, which may have contributed to his genetic health problems. Henri suffered from a rare condition known as Pycnodysostosis, which caused brittle bones. His health issues were exacerbated by two accidents in his teenage years, which stunted his growth, resulting in his adult height being only about 5 feet tall.
Despite his physical challenges, Toulouse-Lautrec pursued art with great passion. He began studying art at an early age, initially under René Princeteau, a family friend, and later at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Léon Bonnat and Fernand Cormon. His early work focused on traditional subjects, but his style soon evolved as he immersed himself in the bohemian life of Montmartre.
Toulouse-Lautrec became famous for his depictions of the cabarets, dance halls, and brothels of Montmartre. His art captured the essence of Parisian nightlife with a mix of compassion, humor, and a stark realism. His work included:
Henri's personal life was as colorful as his art. He was known for his heavy drinking and frequenting of brothels, which, while providing him with artistic subjects, also took a toll on his health. His lifestyle, combined with his genetic condition, led to his premature death at the age of 36 on September 9, 1901, from complications of syphilis and alcoholism.
Toulouse-Lautrec's work has had a lasting impact on the art world. His ability to capture the vibrancy of Parisian nightlife, his technical innovations in printmaking, and his compassionate portrayal of marginalized communities have made him a pivotal figure in the history of art. Today, his works are housed in major collections around the world, including: