Sketch (Croquis) 1898

This is an ink sketch by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The figures sketched depict caricatures of members of the bourgeoisie. The exaggerated features and grotesque distortion are symbols that reach back to ancient Greek theatre masks. They embody archetypes of human folly and vice, reappearing later in commedia dell'arte. The image is not merely satire; it touches on something primal. Observe how the artist emphasizes certain traits, inflating them to reveal inner character. This echoes the medieval tradition of marginalia, where grotesque figures in illuminated manuscripts embodied societal fears and suppressed desires. The recurring motif reflects a collective psyche grappling with its shadow self. Such caricatures, like gargoyles perched on cathedrals, serve as reminders of our baser instincts. They engage us on a visceral level. The sketch, therefore, is not simply a snapshot of Parisian society, but a mirror reflecting our own humanity, inviting us to confront the timeless dance between the civilized and the primal.