Pin-Ups: Toulouse-Lautrec and the Art of Celebrity

This book explores Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's works in lithography, which revolutionized the poster at the end of the 19th century by combining visual and popular culture. Lautrec's embrace of celebrity helped define the famous hotspots of fin de siecle Paris, and his influence on British and Scottish artists of the period will also be explored.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2018
Publisher: National Galleries of Scotland

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's artistic contributions through the medium of lithography. It explores the revolutionary artistic approach that emerged towards the end of the 19th century, seamlessly blending visual and popular culture, and revolutionizing the perception of the relationship between high art and low art. The remarkable technical innovations pioneered by Toulouse-Lautrec and his fellow artists in lithography resulted in the creation of larger-than-life posters that showcased an array of vibrant colors and innovative effects. These advancements propelled the poster into a formidable tool for communication and marketing, particularly in the vibrant city of fin de siècle Paris.

Toulouse-Lautrec's unwavering embrace of celebrity played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic hotspots of fin de siècle Paris. His works not only adorned the walls of theaters, cabarets, and café-concerts but also made the stars of these establishments recognizable figures throughout the entire city. By incorporating the likenesses of famous individuals into his posters, Toulouse-Lautrec not only captured the essence of the times but also contributed to the cultural and social fabric of the era.

In addition to Toulouse-Lautrec, this book also features the works of contemporaries such as Pierre Bonnard, Theophile Alexandre Steinlen, and Jules Cheret. It explores the profound influence that Toulouse-Lautrec had on British and Scottish artists of the period, including Walter Richard Sickert, Arthur Melville, John Duncan Fergusson, and William Nicholson. These artists, in turn, absorbed and incorporated the stylistic elements and techniques pioneered by Toulouse-Lautrec, further enriching the artistic landscape of the time.

Through its meticulous exploration of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's lithographic works and their impact on the artistic world, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic era of fin de siècle Paris. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Toulouse-Lautrec and his profound contribution to the art world. Whether you are an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply someone seeking to appreciate the beauty and creativity of a bygone era, this book is a must-read for all who seek to delve deeper into the world of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and his remarkable artistic achievements.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 173 x 299 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911054214