Snobism 1895

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sketched this scene, titled "Snobism", using pencil or charcoal on paper. The deliberate choice of such modest materials is key. The paper's humble nature contrasts sharply with the opulence hinted at in the scene – the fine clothes, wine bottles, and restaurant setting. The artist's rapid, almost dismissive lines add another layer. There's a clear sense of immediacy. This wasn't about crafting a precious object, but capturing a fleeting moment. Lautrec's technique speaks volumes. He seems less interested in rendering the scene with traditional artistic skill, and more in conveying the essence of the people depicted. The drawing's casualness mirrors the superficiality, and the aloofness of the upper class, perhaps even suggesting that their "snobism" is as flimsy and easily discarded as a pencil sketch. This work reminds us that the materials and methods of production are vital in understanding art, blurring the lines between high art and everyday life.