Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: A French painter, illustrator, and poster artist 

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born in November 24, 1864 in Albi, France. The artist observed things and painted them with great psychological insight and facets of Parisian nightlife. The use of expressive lines and free-flowing resulted in highly rhythmical compositions. Henri was known as one of the famous post-impressionist painters of that period, whose style was influenced by bohemian life on brothels, streets, bars, and theaters in Paris. In his short lifetime, Henri managed to paint a great number of provocative, modern, and decadent images that reflected the Parisian nightlife.

 Painting was an escape for Henri

At the age of ten, Henri was hospitalized due to severe bone pain, and it filled his life with physical complications. At the age of 16, he was permanently crippled by a genetic problem, and it stopped his growth forever. Painting and drawing was an escape from him, and here he dealt with emotional and physical suffering.

 In 1882 he moved to Paris, and there he met many artists whose portraits he painted. The early paintings of Henri were focused on models, but after 1886, his primary subjects were brothels, nightclubs, bars, and other environments. Henri suffered from pain throughout his life, and he died on September 9, 1901, at the age of 36. In his short lifespan, Henri has created much beautiful artwork that became an inspiration for many young artists.

 Some famous artworks of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

• Self-portrait in front of a Mirror-in this painting, Henri is very conscious about his appearance. 
• The Laundress-It is a series of portraits of Carmen Gaudin which were done by Henri during his Paris Stay.
• The Bed-this is another remarkable work by Henri. Here two women are gazing at each other.
• Avril- it was a major starlets dance scene in Paris.