Carnaval. by Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec, 1864-1901

Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec, 1864-1901
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Carnaval.

Original lithograph in olive green with the lips in red. 1894. Signed with the monogram in the stone. From the edition of 100 impressions with the 'red lips'. Issued by Kleinmann, and with his blindstamp; apart from the issue for the Album de la Revue Blanche. Inscribed 50 lower left; before the image was cut-down for the actual Revue edition.
Ref: Wittrock - Lautrec prints 61 (iii/iv). Adriani 62 (iii)

Superb impression with the redlips very strong. On smooth pale cream wove paper. Excellent condition; the sheet edge mounted for protection (not backed); the paper on the blindstamp weak. Paper surface excellent. Sheet: 15 x 11ins. Image: 10 1/8 x 6 1/2ins (255x165mm)

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'Carnaval' is a work which underlines the genius of Lautrec not only as a draughtsman but also as a lithographer. Suggested by scenes at one of the carnival evenings at a music hall the drawing of pose and expression is absolutely inspired; the expressive features, the gesture of the woman's hand, the facial expressions which almost allow us to hear the characters 'bitching' comments on the other revellers, are captured with touches and curls of line which are unique in their genius.

This quality of drawing is matched by the use of the medium itself, the contrast of the outline figure of the woman against the shaded form of the man, of the pale face against the shaded features, and the composition given its climax by the application of the red ink just on the lips of the woman. It shows Lautrec's total mastery of, and stimulation from, the medium of lithography.

This impression is from the first edition of 100 showing the full composition, and with the blindstamp of the publisher Kleinmann. It is before the transfer to a separate stone and the issue for the album of the Revue Blanche, and the edition in reduced format for the Revue Blanche itself.