Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Wilhelm List died in 1918; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1988.
In context
September — Wilhelm List
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 54 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Wilhelm List (1864–1918) every dated painting, decade by decade
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/similar/wilhelm-list-september-9CW45B-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #ece1c7
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 6 works by this artist, of which 1 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Vienna, Austria
Born Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Montfa in 1864 amidst the aristocratic grandeur of southern France, the future artist’s life was irrevocably shaped by a childhood marked by both privilege and profound physical limitations. The premature breakage of his legs during adolescence left him with a permanently stunted stature, a condition that would profoundly influence his artistic perspective and ultimately drive him towards the vibrant, often marginalized, world of Parisian nightlife. This early adversity fostered a keen observational eye and a unique empathy for those on the fringes of society – qualities that would become central to his distinctive artistic vision.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s upbringing within a wealthy family afforded him access to art education, initially at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. However, he quickly found himself disillusioned with the rigid academic traditions and sought instead to immerse himself in the burgeoning bohemian culture of Montmartre. This shift proved transformative, providing him with a subject matter far more compelling than the idealized subjects favored by the established artistic circles. He began to frequent cabarets, dance halls, and brothels – places where he encountered a diverse cast of characters: prostitutes, artists, musicians, and performers – all living lives brimming with passion, excess, and a raw, unvarnished beauty.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s artistic style is instantly recognizable—a captivating blend of realism, caricature, and expressive color. He rejected the smooth surfaces and meticulous detail of academic painting in favor of loose brushstrokes, flattened perspectives, and a deliberate disregard for traditional composition. His use of bold, saturated colors – particularly reds, blues, and greens – heightened the emotional intensity of his scenes, capturing the frenetic energy and intoxicating atmosphere of the Parisian underworld.
His prints, particularly lithographs, became immensely popular, offering affordable reproductions of his vibrant images to a wider audience. He skillfully employed techniques such as cross-hatching and drypoint to create intricate textures and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. He wasn’t simply documenting these scenes; he was actively shaping them, imbuing them with a sense of movement, drama, and psychological depth. His work is often described as Post-Impressionist, reflecting his interest in capturing the subjective experience of the world rather than merely replicating its appearance.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s most enduring legacy lies in his unflinching portrayal of Parisian life. He depicted a world largely ignored by mainstream artists – the prostitutes, dancers, and gamblers who populated the city's cabarets and dance halls. These weren’t idealized figures; they were complex individuals grappling with poverty, desire, and social stigma. His depictions of La Blanchisseuse (The Washerwoman), Jane Avril, and Ephemere are iconic examples of his ability to capture the essence of these characters – their vulnerability, their resilience, and their undeniable allure.
He wasn’t simply an observer; he was a participant. He frequented the same establishments as his subjects, sketching them in the midst of their revelry. This intimate connection allowed him to convey not just appearances but also the underlying emotions and motivations that drove these individuals' lives. His work offers a poignant glimpse into a world often hidden from view, revealing the beauty and tragedy intertwined within the fabric of Parisian society.
Despite facing significant personal challenges – including chronic illness and social ostracism – Toulouse-Lautrec left an indelible mark on the history of art. His innovative techniques, his bold subject matter, and his unflinching honesty continue to resonate with audiences today. He paved the way for future generations of artists who sought to capture the raw energy and emotional complexity of modern life.
His influence can be seen in the works of numerous artists, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Edward Hopper. Toulouse-Lautrec’s legacy extends beyond his paintings and prints; he is remembered as a pioneering figure who challenged artistic conventions and redefined the boundaries of representation. He remains one of the most beloved and enduring figures of the Parisian art scene.
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Look closely
September — Wilhelm List
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The X-Ray page of "September" by Wilhelm List is an interactive viewer that lets you slide through eleven optical layers of the artwork's image, including an X-ray style view.
"September" by Wilhelm List shows a vivid color intensity.
The luminance recorded for "September" by Wilhelm List is luminous.