Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 3284:
Description
This lovely illustration from Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was part of the work from Jules Renard entitled
Histoires naturelles. The work was published in Paris by H. Floury in 1899. It is one of only 100 copies published, this being number 49. The original lithograph by Toulouse-Lautrec will be accompanied by the descriptive page when available.
Renard’s
Histoire naturelles "contains some of Toulouse Lautrec’s most refined draftsmanship and, with Yvette Guilbert, it is considered one of the masterpieces of the illustrated book. It was Lautrec who requested the pleasure of illustrating Renard’s bestiary, and Renard agreed, hoping for descriptions that ‘would please the animals themselves.’ The two creative personalities clashed. Lautrec resented the book’s limitation to mundane animals, while Renard, although paid homage to by a cover design of a fox, objected to a number of Lautrec’s drawings… Today we are amazed that it took Floury twenty years to sell out the edition of 100 copies." (Donson/Gripp) Garvey notes it is "Now one of the greatest rarities of the 19th century." (Garvey 304)
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) was a very talented artist. However in 1899, at the age of 35, he was suffering from dementia and alcoholism (likely brought on by syphillis). He was institutionalized and began a series of circus drawings there from memory. Because of the skill and detail in his work, the doctors decided his health had improved and earned his release after just three months of which Toulouse-Lautrec noted “I bought my freedom with my drawings."
Pierre-Jules Renard (1864-1910) was a French author and member of the Académie Goncourt. His most famous works are
Les Histoires Naturelles,
Poil de carotte,
Le plaisir de rompre,
L’ écornifleur, and
Huit jours à la campagne.
Paper Size: ~ 9" by 12 1/2"
Paper Type or Special Features: Lithograph (1 of 100 ever published)
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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