Toulouse-Lautrec

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) was born in the south of France to an eccentric aristocratic family. In 1882 he moved to Paris to study art, and became friendly with several young artists including Van Gogh, Bonnard and Vuillard. He set up a studio in the bohemian quarter of Montmartre where he lived for the rest of his short life, sketching the characters in the theatres, brothels and cabarets of the Parisian world. His dissolute lifestyle, coupled with alcoholism and syphilis, led to a stroke from which he died at the age of 36, leaving a prodigious amount of breathtaking work. This book explores his colourful life and work. Beginning as a painter, he was principally influenced by Degas and Japanese prints. Many of Toulouse-Lautrec's famous portrayals of women in public and private life are shown, with images of women bathing, dressing or simply relaxing as well as performing in cabaret and theatre.