Femme qui se peigne, la Coiffure 1896

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this print, "Femme qui se peigne, la Coiffure," using lithography, a printing process where the artist draws on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then applies ink that adheres only to those drawn areas. The material and process contribute to the work's distinct qualities: the softness of the lithographic crayon lends a subtle, velvety texture, especially noticeable in the woman’s hair and skin. The image is built up through layers of tone, creating depth and shadow. Toulouse-Lautrec was not only an artist, but also a master craftsman in printmaking, pushing the boundaries of the medium. He skillfully captured the intimate moment of a woman attending to her toilette. The choice of lithography, a process capable of mass production, mirrors the broader social context of late 19th-century Paris, with its burgeoning consumer culture. Yet, Toulouse-Lautrec elevates this commercial medium to the realm of high art. Understanding the materiality and making of this print allows us to appreciate the artist's virtuosity and to challenge conventional hierarchies between craft and fine art.