Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

In 1899, near the end of his career, Lautrec rendered four lithographs illustrating life at the racetrack. Although Pierrefort suggested the subject he published only Le Jockey. The theme was a departure from the artist’s customary representations of the Belle Époque lifestyle, however Lautrec’s signature style is evident. We recognize his aptitude for capturing a moment and expressing movement as the horses charge across the composition, guided by their riders, with grace reminiscent of the very dancers Lautrec was known to portray.