Who painted Laboratoire?

Laboratoire was painted by Hermann Paul in 1900.

Where can I see Laboratoire?

Laboratoire is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Laboratoire?

Laboratoire is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Laboratoire?

Museum-quality prints of Laboratoire are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Laboratoire

Hermann Paul , 1900

Laboratoire is a print by the Impressionist artist Hermann Paul. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2008.188
Credit line: Gift of John Bonebrake

About this work

Overview

Laboratoire is a print created around 1900 by German artist Hermann Paul. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It presents a brief, gestural scene rendered in quick, sketch‑like lines, suggesting an immediacy of observation rather than a polished composition.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts two figures in an intimate embrace: a man facing the viewer with his mouth slightly open, and a woman whose back is turned, arms lifted as if caught in motion. The inscription LABORATOIRE at the top introduces a possible reference to scientific work or a laboratory setting, inviting a reading that juxtaposes personal contact with a professional or experimental context.

Technique & Style

Paul employs loose, rough lines and minimal shading, giving the print an unfinished, snapshot quality. The economy of mark‑making emphasizes movement and spontaneity, while the stark contrast between the bold outlines and the sparse tonal areas creates a sense of immediacy typical of early twentieth‑century experimental printmaking.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the print has remained within institutional holdings and is now owned by the Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum’s acquisition records place the work among other early modern sketches that document Paul’s exploratory approach to drawing and print media during the turn of the century.