Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a name as familiar in the art world as a well-aged Bordeaux is in the world of wine. Born on November 24, 1864 in Albi, France, Henri was the scion of an aristocratic family that placed more value on pedigrees than brushstrokes. Yet Henri, the rebel with a heart for the bohemian, chose to conquer the world of art rather than lose himself in the dusty halls of the aristocracy. Despite his physical limitations—he suffered from a genetic disorder that hampered his growth—he found in art a world in which he could move freely. His works, which captured late 19th-century Parisian nightlife in all its dazzling glory, are now icons of the Post-Impressionism movement.

In the 1880s, Toulouse-Lautrec moved to Paris, where he quickly fell in love with the lively and often scandalous world of cabarets and dance halls. The famous Moulin Rouge became his second home, and his posters and paintings captured the essence of this vibrant scene. With a keen eye for detail and an even keener sense of humor, he portrayed dancers, singers, and the eccentric characters who populated Parisian nightlife. His works are not only artistic masterpieces, but also vivid documentations of an era marked by excess and creativity.

Interesting fact:

Did you know that Toulouse-Lautrec was a passionate collector of recipes? He was a gourmet and loved to surprise his friends with culinary creations. He even published a cookbook called "Lautrec's Table", which contains a collection of his favorite recipes. Another curious detail from his life is his penchant for unusual pets. He kept a tame rooster named "Coco", which often accompanied him to the bars of Montmartre. This eccentric side of his character is also reflected in his artwork, which is often done with a wink and a pinch of irony.

Important works of art & paintings by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec:

1. "Moulin Rouge: La Goulue" (1891)
2. "At the Moulin Rouge" (1892-1895)
3. "La Toilette" (1889)
4. "Jane Avril" (1893)
5. "The Medical Inspection at the Rue des Moulins Brothel" (1894)
6. "The Clownesse Cha-U-Kao" (1895)
7. "In Bed: The Kiss" (1892)
8. "The Seated Clowness" (1896)
9. "Yvette Guilbert" (1894)
10. "The Two Girlfriends" (1894)