Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Henri Somm, 1898 is a detailed portrait of illustrator and contemporary who went by the alias of Henri Somm. Toulouse-Lautrec uses crosshatching to darken the brim of Somm’s hat, and other linear detail to create his eyebrows, delicate glasses rims, and gently closed eyes. Groups of lines form his beard, longer ones to denote the mustache portion, and shorter ones for the hair on his chin. Much of the remainder of the plate has been etched on as well, creating a darker background for the portrait, as opposed to the cream color of the paper. Henri Somm comes to life under the hand of Toulouse-Lautrec.

Created in 1898, this drypoint etching on zinc on Japan paper is stamped with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s (Albi, 1864 – Château Malrôme, 1901) monogram ‘TL’ in red in the lower right margin. From the edition of around 25 known impressions, 15 of which are numbered. Published by Manzi, Joyant, & Cie, Paris in 1911.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Henri Somm, 1898 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Adriani, Götz. Toulouse-Lautrec: The Complete Graphic Works – A Catalogue Raisonné. London: Royal Academy of Arts, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 246
2. Lugt, F. (1988). Les marques de collections de dessins & d’estampes. Alan Wofsy Fine Arts: San Francisco. Henri Toulouse-Lautrec’s stamp listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1338 on pg. 240.
3. Wittrock, Wolfgang. Toulouse-Lautrec: The Complete Prints. London: Sotheby’s Publications, 1985. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 244
4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec Henri Somm, 1898 is presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.