Toulouse-Lautrec

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born on November 24, 1864 France. He was an artist, draughtsman, and illustrator with great psychological insight. He was known as one of the best painters. Due to an unknown medical condition, he was very short and was addicted to alcohol. He developed an affinity for prostitutes that became one of the subjects of many of his works.

Early life

Toulouse-Lautrec was born to a wealthy, lovable and supportive family and spent lots of time at a family estate near Albi. His father and grandfather's band uncle were great draftsmen, so they were not surprised by Henri's skills as a painter. Henri started painting at the age of 10, and his love of painting grew as he broke his left thighbone in an accident in 1878. And after a year, in another accident, his right thighbone was fractured. These accidents made walking difficult for him and required so much time for painful treatment. As a result, he invested most of his time in painting to pass away his lonely hours. In 1881 he decided to become an artist. His first professional master in painting was Rene Princeteau, and he was a friend of the Lautrec family. 

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Disability

At the age of 13, Henri broke his left leg in an accident, and after a year, he broke his right leg. The thighbone was severely fractured, and it didn't heal properly. He was suffering from some unknown genetic disorder because of which his legs were really small, like those of a child. Unable to participate in other activities, Henri spent most of his time in art and became a painter. After failing in entrance exam on the first attempt, he passed the second and completed his studies.

Art

Henri was a master in painting people in their working environment, with different colours and movements of the shady nightlife. He was a perfectionist at painting the crowd and capture individuals. He was largely influenced by the French art of the late 19th century. Despite alcoholism, Henri helped arts well beyond his age. Although he wasn't highly recognized then like he is today. The artist's father supported his artwork, but he only pictured his son's work as rough sketches and never saw Henri as a professional painter. Henri was very close to his family, especially with his mother, who supported his artwork and ambitions. For Henri leaving his mother was a betrayal. And after Henri's death, his mother prompted his artwork.

Death

Henri initially started drinking beer and wine, but with time his taste expanded, and he was addicted to liquor, namely absinthe. Due to his leg condition, he walked with the aid of a cane. He was always filled with liquor to make sure he never runs out of it. By February 1899, Henri was very addicted to alcohol, and it began to create problems for his health. He collapsed due to excess alcoholism one day and got admitted to Folue Saint James, a sanatorium for three months. In that period, Henri made 39 portraits. And after his release, he went back to Paris and then travelled throughout France. His mental and physical illness started to increase rapidly due to syphilis and alcoholism. Later on September 9, 1901, at the age of 36, Henri died due to syphilis and alcoholism at his mother's estate. After his death, his mother and his art dealer continued to promote his art. His mother also contributed to a museum in Albi to show his artwork.