Description
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec – Book Plate XXIV Lithographic Print – La Dépêche de Toulouse, Le Tocsin (1895/1950)
This lithographic reproduction, issued by Mourlot in 1950, presents Toulouse-Lautrec’s 1895 poster created for La Dépêche de Toulouse to advertise the serialized publication of Le Tocsin by Jules de Gastyn. Commissioned by editor Arthur Huc following the success of Lautrec’s earlier design (Le Pendu), the poster reflects the growing role of illustrated advertising in late 19th-century French print culture.
The composition departs from the theatrical interiors often associated with Lautrec, instead presenting a quiet, atmospheric outdoor scene. A solitary female figure moves through a sparse, vertical landscape of trees, accompanied by a dog, while distant architectural forms anchor the background. The restrained palette and simplified line work emphasize mood over narrative detail, demonstrating Lautrec’s ability to adapt his visual language to different subjects while maintaining a strong graphic presence.
The original poster was noted at the time of its release for the popularity of Lautrec’s earlier work, with contemporary accounts remarking on the scarcity and rising value of Le Pendu. This context underscores the increasing recognition of his posters not only as advertisements but as collectible works of art.
Mourlot’s mid-20th-century edition preserves the tonal subtlety and compositional clarity of the original lithograph, reflecting the continued appreciation of Lautrec’s contributions to modern poster design.
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