Carnaval 1894

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec rendered this print, titled "Carnaval," using lithography, a process involving drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then using ink to transfer the image to paper. The ephemeral quality of the lithographic crayon is evident in the composition. See how the figures emerge as if from a haze, capturing the fleeting spirit of carnival. The sparse use of color, just a touch of red on the woman's lips, further emphasizes the print's delicate, almost dreamlike state. Toulouse-Lautrec was drawn to the entertainment industry, often portraying performers, prostitutes, and other marginal figures. In "Carnaval," we glimpse two characters, perhaps performers themselves, their identities masked by costume and makeup. The lithographic process allowed Toulouse-Lautrec to capture the gritty reality of Parisian nightlife. The artist masterfully elevates popular subject matter through a fine art medium.