Waking Up, from the series Elles

Art Historical Context

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, master of Post-Impressionist lithography, created *Waking Up* in 1896 as part of his poignant series *Elles*. intimate crayon lithograph, printed in subtle olive-gray tones on w paper by printer Gustave Pellet, captures a stirring from sleep in a rumpled bed. Measuring 15 15/16 x 20 11/16 inches, it exemplifies Lautrec's innovative use of the scraper technique to achieve delicate textures and depth, evoking the quiet vulnerability of private moments. The *Elles* series offers a sympathetic glimpse into the lives of Parisian brothel workers during the Belle Époque, humanizing women often marginalized in society. Lautrec, who frequented Montmartre's nightlife despite his own physical disabilities, portrayed these figures with empathy rather than sensationalism, using monochromatic restraint to heighten emotional intimacy. This print, from the Alfred Stieglitz Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases his pioneering role in elevating posters and prints to fine art. Today, *Waking Up* invites reflection on themes of repose and resilience, blending technical brilliance with social commentary in a single, evocative image.

About the Artist

Gustave Pellet|Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French|French) · 1859 |1864 –1919 |1901

French, Paris 1859–1919 Paris|French, Albi 1864–1901 Saint-André-du-Bois