Artcurial to Offer Toulouse-Lautrec Lithograph Trial Proofs on May 20
The Facts
On May 20, 2026, Artcurial will auction a set of five trial proofs of a colour lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, alongside the signed final version. The proofs, which depict a woman descending a staircase, were produced in the 1890s and reflect the artist's adoption of Japanese stylistic principles such as bold outlines and matte colours. Acquired in 1978 in London, the works have been held in a single European collection until now. The auction will also include works by Pierre Soulages, Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, and Francis Bacon. The lots will be on view at Artcurial from May 14 to 19, 2026.
The Signal
The trial proofs are rare because Toulouse-Lautrec typically destroyed them after selecting the final impression. Their survival and reappearance after nearly 50 years in a single collection make this a significant market event for collectors of modern prints. The inclusion of the final signed version alongside the complete set of proofs adds institutional interest, as such comprehensive groupings are uncommon at auction. The consignment offers insight into the artist's technical process and the influence of Japonisme and Nabi aesthetics on his work.
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- Artists: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
- People: Pierre Bonnard
- Auction Houses: Artcurial
- Museums: Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
- Locations: Paris, London
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