Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Date of Birth: November 24, 1864

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 9, 1901

Biography

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a renowned French painter, printmaker, draughtsman, and illustrator whose immersion in the colorful and theatrical life of Paris in the late 19th century allowed him to produce a collection of enticing, elegant, and provocative images of the modern and decadent aspects of Parisian society. Born into an aristocratic family, Toulouse-Lautrec suffered from various health issues that stunted his growth and left him with physical disabilities. Despite these challenges, he pursued art vigorously, studying under prominent artists and eventually becoming a leading figure in the Post-Impressionist movement. His works include depictions of the vibrant nightlife of Paris, including scenes from the Moulin Rouge and other Montmartre cabarets, brothels, and theaters. Toulouse-Lautrec’s art is characterized by its bold use of color, innovative composition, and keen observations of human behavior. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects with both empathy and wit has left a lasting influence on modern art.

5 Interesting Facts about Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

1. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec broke both his legs in his adolescence, which led to his distinctive physical appearance due to an unknown genetic disorder.

2. He completed over 700 canvases, 275 watercolors, 363 prints and posters, and 5,084 drawings.

3. Toulouse-Lautrec was a fixture in the bohemian nightlife of Paris, often frequenting the Moulin Rouge, where he created some of his most famous works.

4. He was one of the first artists to elevate the poster to the status of high art.

5. Despite his noble birth, Toulouse-Lautrec’s lifestyle and friendships crossed class boundaries, making him a quintessential figure of the Parisian avant-garde.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

1. “The street is a world in itself; the street is the world of the soul, the street is the world of life, of time, of the people.”

2. “I paint things as they are. I don’t comment. I record.”

3. “Love is when the desire to be desired takes you so badly that you feel you could die of it.”

4. “I have tried to do what is true and not ideal.”

5. “I am a product of Paris. It has formed me, and I am its son.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Toulouse-Lautrec did not achieve substantial financial success during his lifetime. His highest net worth was modest, primarily relying on the support of his family and the occasional sale of his artwork.