En Cabinet Particulier (At the Rat Mort)
Mixed media drawing on paper (mounted on card) • Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864–1901)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism / Art Nouveau
Medium & Technique
Crayon, pastel, and charcoal with possible ink on tan paper; characterized by rapid, gestural cross-hatching and calligraphic line work.
Creation Period
Circa 1899
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 55 x 45 cm; Vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
The scene depicts a man and a woman (likely the famous model Lucy Jourdain) seated at a table in a private dining room at the 'Rat Mort' in Montmartre. The composition explores urban ennui and the psychological distance between the subjects, marked by a foregrounded bottle and glass.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of acid-related browning (toning) and perimeter darkening consistent with aged wood-pulp paper.
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $350,000 USD (subject to authentication and provenance verification)
Auction Estimate
$100,000 - $250,000 USD
Provenance History
Bearing the artist's circular red monogram (HTL) in the lower left; likely passed through Parisian collections associated with the artist's circle or estate.
Art Historical Significance
A quintessential example of Lautrec's late career focus on the nightlife of Paris. It bridges the gap between commercial illustration and fine art, capturing the decadent underbelly of the Belle Époque.
Notable Features
Features the distinct red circle monogram used by Lautrec; the use of negative space (the tan paper itself) to represent skin tones and ambient light is a hallmark of the artist's economical style.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing, light staining, and significant paper toning; the edges show mat burn and darkening likely caused by non-archival framing materials.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a paper conservator to reduce acidity; de-acidification treatment; reframing with Museum-grade UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting.
Collector Notes
Henri Toulouse le tree