Artwork
Woman on Her Back (Femme sur le dos)
Woman on Her Back (Femme sur le dos) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Woman on Her Back (Femme sur le dos) is a 1896 lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a French artist known for his depictions of Parisian life. The print is executed in green and red-brown hues.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts a woman reclining on her back with her arms raised above her head, drawn in loose, expressive lines. The subject is rendered in a straightforward manner, reflecting Toulouse-Lautrec's interest in capturing figures from marginalized communities, including those in brothel settings.
Technique & Style
The print is characterized by quick, gestural lines that convey a sense of spontaneity. The artist's focus on capturing the basic shape and movement of the body rather than detailed representation contributes to the work's sketch-like quality.
History & Provenance
Toulouse-Lautrec was born into French aristocracy and experienced physical challenges due to injuries sustained in adolescence, which influenced his artistic focus on the human figure and urban life.
Own this work as a print
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.
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