Toulouse-Lautrec's Defecating Beach Photos Analyzed
The article from art press 2 n°24 (février-mars-avril 2012) examines four photographs taken in 1898 on the beach of Le Crotoy, France, depicting Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the act of defecating. The images show the artist in various stages: standing with pants down, squatting, and wiping with newspaper. The text identifies the subject as the renowned painter, noting his physical deformities and nicknames such as 'Petit Bijou' (given by his mother), 'Petit-Bas-du-Cul' (from friends), and 'Cafetière' (used by Montmartre prostitutes, referring to the size of his penis). The author argues that Toulouse-Lautrec, through his art and behavior, deliberately subverted traditional notions of high art, preferring to depict prostitutes and drunks rather than classical subjects like Venus. The photographs are presented as evidence of his iconoclastic attitude, literally 'bringing down' the sacredness of Grand Art.
Key facts
- Four photographs were taken in 1898 on the beach of Le Crotoy.
- The photos show Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec defecating on the sand.
- Toulouse-Lautrec is depicted in multiple poses: standing with pants down, squatting, and wiping with newspaper.
- His mother called him 'Petit Bijou'.
- His friends called him 'Petit-Bas-du-Cul'.
- Montmartre prostitutes called him 'Cafetière' due to the size of his penis.
- The author compares Toulouse-Lautrec to a biblical prophet who stammers and falls.
- The article argues Toulouse-Lautrec deliberately subverted traditional high art by depicting low-life subjects.
Entities
Artists
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Locations
- Le Crotoy
- France
- Montmartre
Sources
- artpress —