Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi Showcases Overlooked Nabi Artist Henri-Gabriel Ibels

The Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, France, is presenting an exhibition dedicated to Henri-Gabriel Ibels (1867–1936), a multifaceted yet historically neglected member of the Nabis group. Running from April 4 to July 26, 2026, this retrospective marks a significant rediscovery, as it is Ibels' first major solo show, accompanied by the publication of his memoirs and a comprehensive catalog. Ibels was a prolific figure in late 19th and early 20th-century art, known for his work as a painter, press illustrator, theater costume designer, poster artist, and educator. He studied at the Académie Julian from 1888, where he connected with peers like Paul Sérusier, Pierre Bonnard, Maurice Denis, and Édouard Vuillard, contributing to the formation of the Nabis and exhibiting with them starting in 1891. Dubbed the 'Nabi journalist,' he produced numerous illustrations for publications such as L'Assiette au beurre and L'Escarmouche, focusing on capturing Parisian life with a characteristic style rather than caricature. His diverse practice extended to theater, where he collaborated with director André Antoine on costumes and taught costume history and art history. The exhibition, curated by Fanny Girard and Fabienne Stahl, is structured into five thematic sections and includes additional loans that highlight his costume workshop at the Printemps department store. Ibels was also socially engaged, using his art to advocate for causes like the exoneration of Captain Dreyfus. This display follows a similar presentation at the Musée Maurice-Denis in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, offering a richer perspective with extra artworks, further illuminating his role in modernist art.