Toulouse Lautrec - At The Circus Portfolio Complete Of 22 Lithographic Prints
Facsimile Reproductions from the Original Portfolio Printed by Harry N. Abrams, 1967
These pieces are from Lautrec’s circus portfolio. Lautrec created the original collection of crayon and chalk drawings in the spring of 1899, just two years before his death, while he was at a sanatorium undergoing treatment for his alcoholism. In fact it was these drawings, with their beautifully intricate details (recalled from memory), that convinced staff at the institution that Lautrec was well enough to leave. Supposedly, upon leaving the institution, Lautrec said “I’ve bought my release with my drawings”. And looking at this collection it is easy to see why. The depth and delicacy of these works are exquisite – especially when we remind ourselves that these were done from memory months after Lautrec had last been to the circus.