Artwork

Les Vieilles Histoires (cover/frontispiece)

Les Vieilles Histoires (cover/frontispiece), by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, ink, 1893
Les Vieilles Histoires (cover/frontispiece), by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, ink, 1893

Les Vieilles Histoires (cover/frontispiece) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Les Vieilles Histoires is a 1893 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, printed in olive green on wove paper. It features a loose, sketch-like depiction of a man walking a large dog.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a man in a top hat strolling with a shaggy dog, possibly wolf-like, against a fading cityscape with a bridge and buildings. The title suggests a connection to a book cover for poetry set to music, hinting at a narrative or thematic context.

Technique & Style

Toulouse-Lautrec's lithograph is characterized by quick, loose lines and a yellowish tint, giving it a sketch-like quality. The use of olive green ink on wove paper adds to the print's distinctive appearance.

Context

Toulouse-Lautrec's work often engaged with Parisian nightlife and theatrical culture. As a member of the French aristocracy who experienced physical challenges, he developed a unique perspective on the city's social settings and performers.

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.