Henri de Toulouse Lautrec

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a French artist born on November 24, 1864 in Albi, in the south of France. He was the son of Count Alphonse de Toulouse-Lautrec and Countess Adèle de Toulouse-Lautrec, but was raised by his mother after his parents divorced in 1868. Lautrec was seriously injured at the age of 13 when he fell off a horse, which caused fractures to his legs that prevented his growth. He spent many months in a cast and was left with very short legs and mobility issues for the rest of his life. Despite his physical difficulties, Lautrec turned to art and began studying painting at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1882. He was particularly influenced by Impressionism and worked with artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas. Throughout his life, Lautrec was particularly known for his advertising posters and cabaret drawings. He produced several famous posters, including "Moulin Rouge, La Goulue" in 1891 and "Jane Avril" in 1893. He also painted many scenes of the nightlife of Montmartre, including representations of dancers and cabaret musicians. Lautrec also produced many famous paintings and lithographs, such as "Le Divan Japonais" in 1893 and "L'Absinthe" in 1894. His works were exhibited in international exhibitions and are today considered masterpieces of Art Nouveau. Lautrec led a controversial life and suffered from mental health issues and addiction throughout his life. He died on September 9, 1901 at the age of 36.