Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, L’explorateur, Vicomte de Brettes, 1898

Artist: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864 - 1901)
Title:L’explorateur, Vicomte de Brettes, 1898
Reference:Wittrock 241, Adriani 242
Medium:Drypoint etching on Japan paper
Image Size:6 3/4 in x 3 1/2 in (17.1 cm x 8.9 cm)
Sheet Size:14 9/16 in x 9 1/16 in (37cm x 23 cm)
Framed Size:21 3/4 in x 19 in (55.2 cm x 48.2 cm)
Edition:From the 1911 edition of 15 known impressions.
Signature:This work contains the Toulouse-Lautrec red monogram stamp (Lugt 1338) in the lower right.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #W-5808
$6,000 $3,000

Historical Description

Toulouse-Lautrec L’explorateur, Vicomte de Brettes, 1898 is an interesting and multilayered portrait of Vicomte de Brettes, a geologist exploring the Gran Chaco in South America, and someone who Toulouse-Lautrec admired and was acquainted with. The portrait is roughly rendered, but fits with the adventuring personality of the man depicted. His head is tilted up and he is wearing a hat which shades his eyes and would be very beneficial in Gran Chaco. His lips are pursed and his goatee is slightly unkempt. Much personality shines through, and the admiration that Toulouse-Lautrec held for the exciting life of Vicomte de Brettes is clear.

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 L’explorateur, Vicomte de Brettes, 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. 242.

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. 241.

4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec L’explorateur, Vicomte de Brettes, 1898 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.

Subject Matter: Classic Under $15k Portrait