Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) Portrait de Henri Somm 1898 Drypoint on Paper

Henri de Toulous-Lautrec
Portrait de Henri Somm, 1898

Drypoint on Wove Paper

Comes with a Charles Scott Gallery Letter of Authenticity

Henri Toulouse-Lautrec became one of France's most prominent Post-Impressionist painters and capturing the night life of part of the city, was described as "the soul of Montmartre." He also did a number of illustrations for the magazine Le Rire during the 1890s.

This print is an excellent example of the drypoints of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The image offers a compelling portrait of the illustrator, a contemporary of Toulouse-Lautrec (his name an alias). The linework in the print allows for the boldness of the brim of the hat but also the fine lines of the glasses atop Somm's nose. The body of Somm appears to fade into the background, as most of the plate has been etched to make a field of gray, like a shady spot in the summer sun during a portrait session.

10-1/8 x 7-3/8 inches (25.7 x 18.7 cm) (sheet)

CONDITION: Not framed. Sheet is loose. Mild toning throughout the sheet. We will include a Charles Scott Gallery Letter of Authenticity.

PROVENANCE: Purchased via Heritage Auctions, from the Collection of Rex Rivolo, Long Island, New York.
LITERATURE:
Delteil, 6;
Wittrock, 244;
Adriani, 246.