Artwork
Les Vieilles Histoires (cover/frontispiece)
Les Vieilles Histoires (cover/frontispiece) is a watercolor 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. Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec produced this lithographic proof in 1893, adding touches of watercolor on wove paper.
About this work
Overview
Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec produced this lithographic proof in 1893, adding touches of watercolor on wove paper. The work functions as a frontispiece, its title *Les Vieilles Histoires* translating to “Old Stories.” It bears the signature G. Ondet, a pseudonym occasionally employed by the artist.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a gentleman in a top hat and long coat leading a large, shaggy dog on a leash. Behind them, a softened cityscape unfolds, suggesting a Parisian waterfront with buildings, boats and a bridge, evoking the everyday narratives of urban life that the title references.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithograph, the piece is enhanced with watercolor washes in muted greens, blues and browns. The lines are rapid and sketch‑like, characteristic of Toulouse‑Lautrec’s expressive approach, while the watercolor adds atmospheric depth without overwhelming the drawing.
History & Provenance
Created during the artist’s prolific period of documenting late‑19th‑century Parisian society, the proof likely served as a design for a printed volume. Its association with the G. Ondet imprint reflects the practice of using commercial signatures for book illustrations at the time.
Context
The work aligns with Toulouse‑Lautrec’s broader interest in the city’s marginal and theatrical scenes, though here the focus is a quieter, everyday moment. The subdued palette and loose handling contrast with his more vivid nightclub depictions, illustrating his versatility across subject matter.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
