Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) was a French painter, printmaker, and illustrator who is best known for his iconic depictions of the nightlife and bohemian culture of late 19th-century Paris. He is considered one of the most important and influential artists of the Post-Impressionist period. Here are some key points about Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: Early Life: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born on November 24, 1864, in Albi, a town in southwestern France. He was born into a noble family, but his life was marked by physical challenges. He suffered from genetic disorders and injuries that stunted his growth, leaving him with a mature height of around 4 feet 11 inches (1.50 meters). Artistic Beginnings: Despite his physical limitations, Toulouse-Lautrec showed an early talent for drawing. He moved to Paris in 1882 to pursue a career as an artist, enrolling in the studio of renowned academic painter Léon Bonnat. Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge: Toulouse-Lautrec is closely associated with the Montmartre district of Paris, which was a hub of nightlife and entertainment in the late 19th century. He frequented cabarets, dance halls, and brothels, and his art often depicted the characters and scenes of these establishments. The Moulin Rouge nightclub, in particular, was a subject of many of his paintings and posters. Lithography and Poster Art: Toulouse-Lautrec is celebrated for his innovative use of the newly developed technique of color lithography. He created a series of iconic posters that advertised various Parisian entertainments, including the famous Moulin Rouge poster featuring the dancer Jane Avril. His poster designs are renowned for their bold, flat colors and striking compositions. Personal Life: Toulouse-Lautrec's own life was marked by excess and tragedy. He struggled with alcoholism, which eventually led to his health decline and early death at the age of 36. His works often portrayed the complexities and darker aspects of the Parisian demi-monde. Subjects and Style: Toulouse-Lautrec's art captured the diverse personalities of the Parisian nightlife, including dancers, singers, prostitutes, and patrons. His works were marked by a combination of realism and expressive distortion, portraying the psychological and emotional aspects of his subjects rather than just their physical appearance. Legacy: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's art and innovations in poster design had a significant impact on the development of modern advertising and graphic design. He is also recognized as a key figure in the transition from Impressionism to Post-Impressionism. His works are now celebrated in major art museums around the world. Some of Toulouse-Lautrec's most famous works include "At the Moulin Rouge," "Jane Avril Dancing," and "La Goulue at the Moulin Rouge." His contributions to the world of art, particularly in the realm of poster design, continue to be influential and highly regarded in the art world.