Elles (portfolio cover) 1896

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this cover to his portfolio “Elles” in the 1890s using lithography. It exemplifies how Toulouse-Lautrec challenged the norms of late 19th century Parisian society through art. The image depicts women, likely prostitutes, in intimate, unguarded moments. This print offers a glimpse into the world of Parisian brothels, a subject that was considered taboo at the time. Toulouse-Lautrec's choice of subject matter and his intimate portrayal of these women challenges the traditional representation of women in art, which often idealized or objectified them. To understand this artwork better, one could research the social history of prostitution in 19th century Paris, as well as study how the art world at the time contributed to it or challenged it. By examining the cultural context, we can better appreciate the social and institutional significance of Toulouse-Lautrec's work.