Toulouse-Lautrec lithograph 'Elsa, known as la Viennoise' to be auctioned at Artcurial
Artcurial will auction a rare color lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec titled 'Elsa, known as la Viennoise'. The work depicts an Austrian prostitute who lived in Paris in the late 19th century and served as a model for the artist. Toulouse-Lautrec portrayed her in several works, including a graphite drawing held at the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec. The lithograph is one of only twelve impressions, with five trial proofs included in the sale. Toulouse-Lautrec revolutionized lithography by adopting Japanese stylistic principles such as bold outlines, incomplete forms, and matte colors, influenced by Pierre Bonnard. His paintings famously capture life at the Moulin Rouge, Parisian cabarets, theatres, and brothels.
Key facts
- Artcurial is auctioning a lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec titled 'Elsa, known as la Viennoise'.
- Elsa was an Austrian prostitute living in Paris at the end of the 19th century.
- Toulouse-Lautrec portrayed Elsa in a graphite drawing at the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec and in this lithograph.
- The lithograph is one of twelve impressions, with five trial proofs included.
- Toulouse-Lautrec was influenced by Pierre Bonnard and Japanese prints.
- He adopted bold outlines, incomplete forms, and matte colors from Japanese art.
- His works depict the Moulin Rouge, Parisian cabarets, theatres, and brothels.
- The auction is held at Artcurial.
Entities
Artists
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
- Pierre Bonnard
Institutions
- Artcurial
- Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
Locations
- Paris
- France