Today is the birthday of French painter, print maker, illustrator Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse Lautrec-Monfa (known of course as the diminutive Toulouse-Lautrec (1864 – 1901). Post impressionist Lautrec is best known for his bright lively images of the Parisian theatrical world.
Toulouse-Lautrec La Goulue arrivlal au Moulin Rouge
The lively modern world of Fin de siecle Paris was one of colour and decadence and Lautrec immersed himself into it, illustrating all it’s life, humour, comic tragedy in this bohemian world. As a lithographer, his colourful posters for the Moulin Rouge (amongst many other night clubs) were seen all over Paris. His models were outrageous dancers, like Louise Weber, who was also known as La Goulou (the glutton) inventer of the Can Can and the instantly recognisable Jane Avril .
Jane Avril 1893
Althou Lautrec’s career only lasted about 20 years, he seems to have produced a vast amount of work. His influences on Manet and Degas can be seen in his behind the scenes images, where the entertainers can be seen at work and relaxation.
the-clown-cha-u-kao-by-henri-de-toulouse-lautrec the pathsw the motely
The 5ft tall Lautrec was addicted to alcohol and suffered a lot of disability. But this did not stop him going out on the town and capturing the exciting nightlife of Paris. Some of his models are so instantly recognisable that sometimes a mere silhouette will suffice. Lautrec led a relatively short, but exciting life and there are many biographies about him. For a look at more of the artist’s fabulous paintings and prints see HERE
12 thoughts on “Happy Birthday Dear Toulouse Lautrec!”
Remember that film about him/ Can’t remember who played him, but he was very good. I’m sure he knelt down all the way through the film! Talk about method acting – it must have wrecked his knees
Don’t know why, but Peter Finch springs to mind. Just asked the fount of all knowledge. the hubby, he says he was American and …………..zzzzz so still no wiser. Perhaps someone can help us out here? WHO played the artist Toulouse Lautrec in the FILM? answer on the soles of a tiny pair of shoes PLEASE
If you’re referring to the 2001 Moulin Rouge it was the man who was the voice of Sid the sloth from Ice Age. His last name is kind of hard to pronounce.
Thanks Luci, I was referring in the post to the original. I’ve since found out it was Jose Ferrer in John Houston’s 1962 film Moulin Rouge.. You’re right about the 2001 actor – John Leguizamo 🙂
I recently went to the High Museum to see his lithographs, paintings and drawings in Atlanta. It was simply amazing. I was always a admirer of his art. Alsoo Van Goghs art. Just beautiful !
Lucky you Michelle! I’ve yet to see any of his work in real life, though I have seen Van Gogh’s Sunflowers 🙂
So many masterpieces to see – and not enough time to see them 😦
However, now with this we can travel at the touch of a button! I know nothing beats seeing the real thing but this is the next best thing, I think 🙂 http://www.googleartproject.com/
That must have been amazing to see Van Goghs painting The Sunflowers. They also made a movie about his life. It’s called the Lust for Life, starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent Van Gogh. Pretty good movie.
To tell the truth I was a bit disappointed – they didn’t look as bright as they are depicted, but they probably wanted a good clean 🙂
Love the Lust for Life film too Michelle! Douglas was an inspired
choice 🙂
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Remember that film about him/ Can’t remember who played him, but he was very good. I’m sure he knelt down all the way through the film! Talk about method acting – it must have wrecked his knees
I remember the film but I can’t remember who played him, can’t find it on google either, but I’m sure we didn’t dream it.
Don’t know why, but Peter Finch springs to mind. Just asked the fount of all knowledge. the hubby, he says he was American and …………..zzzzz so still no wiser. Perhaps someone can help us out here? WHO played the artist Toulouse Lautrec in the FILM? answer on the soles of a tiny pair of shoes PLEASE
Why thank you! I was born a blonde, and have never seen myself as one (just awkward like that). Both brunette sisters are blondes! lol!
If you’re referring to the 2001 Moulin Rouge it was the man who was the voice of Sid the sloth from Ice Age. His last name is kind of hard to pronounce.
Thanks Luci, I was referring in the post to the original. I’ve since found out it was Jose Ferrer in John Houston’s 1962 film Moulin Rouge.. You’re right about the 2001 actor – John Leguizamo 🙂
I had no idea he played a big role in the movie, even though you hardly see him. Then again, the signs were there.
Quite…;)
I recently went to the High Museum to see his lithographs, paintings and drawings in Atlanta. It was simply amazing. I was always a admirer of his art. Alsoo Van Goghs art. Just beautiful !
Lucky you Michelle! I’ve yet to see any of his work in real life, though I have seen Van Gogh’s Sunflowers 🙂
So many masterpieces to see – and not enough time to see them 😦
However, now with this we can travel at the touch of a button! I know nothing beats seeing the real thing but this is the next best thing, I think 🙂
http://www.googleartproject.com/
That must have been amazing to see Van Goghs painting The Sunflowers. They also made a movie about his life. It’s called the Lust for Life, starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent Van Gogh. Pretty good movie.
To tell the truth I was a bit disappointed – they didn’t look as bright as they are depicted, but they probably wanted a good clean 🙂
Love the Lust for Life film too Michelle! Douglas was an inspired
choice 🙂