Artwork

Confettis

Confettis, by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, oil, 1897
Confettis, by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, oil, 1897

Confettis is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection.

About this work

Overview

Confettis, a painting by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec from 1897, captures a vibrant moment in Paris's late 19th-century entertainment scene, rendered in oil paint in a post-impressionist style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a scene from Paris's lively nightlife, reflecting Toulouse-Lautrec's fascination with the city's theatrical and social underbelly, often highlighting marginalized groups like performers and prostitutes. His unique perspective, influenced by his experiences as an outsider due to a childhood condition that affected his growth, adds depth to such depictions.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, Confettis exemplifies Toulouse-Lautrec's post-impressionist approach, characterized by bold, expressive brushwork and a vivid color palette, distinct from the more naturalistic representations of the time.

History & Provenance

Created in 1897, Confettis is now part of the Kunsthaus Zürich's collection, a testament to the artist's enduring appeal beyond his native France.

Context

Emerging from Toulouse-Lautrec's observations of late 19th-century Paris, Confettis situates itself within the broader artistic movement of post-impressionism, alongside the works of contemporaries exploring new modes of expression.

Legacy

As one of Toulouse-Lautrec's works from his prolific career, Confettis contributes to his legacy as a chronicler of Parisian life, particularly its nocturnal, theatrical aspects, influencing subsequent generations of artists in capturing urban social landscapes.

Lender Dancing the Bolero in "Chilperic"  (Lender dansant le pas du boléro dans "Chilpéric")
Lender Dancing the Bolero in "Chilperic" (Lender dansant le pas du boléro dans "Chilpéric"), Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Artist

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Comte Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Montfa (24 November 1864 – 9 September 1901), known as Toulouse-Lautrec (French: ), was a French painter, printmaker, draughtsman, caricaturist, and illustrator.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Confettis?

Confettis was painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1897.

Where can I see Confettis?

Confettis is held by Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection.

What movement is Confettis?

Confettis is associated with Post-Impressionism.