A Seller’s Guide to Henri De Toulouse Lautrec
L’Anglais Au Moulin Rouge © Henri De Toulouse Lautrec 1892
Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com
Interested in buying or selling
Henri De Toulouse Lautrec?
Henri De Toulouse Lautrec
19 works
Key Takeaways
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's prints consistently achieve strong prices at auction, with his Elles portfolio (1896) holding the record at £991,821. Individual prints from this series, such as La Clownesse Assise, regularly sell for over £100,000. His iconic posters from the 1890s demonstrate considerable value despite their larger edition sizes, with Moulin Rouge: La Goulue achieving £260,000 in 2014. Authentication requires thorough examination and reference to Wolfgang Wittrock's catalogue raisonné, with particular attention paid to stamps from the likes of Auguste Clot and Gustave Pellet. The European market remains strongest for his works, with Paris and London consistently achieving high prices, though New York has recently emerged as a significant venue for record-breaking sales.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was the first artist to elevate commercial poster design to the status of fine art, forever changing how the advertising and art worlds intersected. His lithographs of Parisian nightlife in the 1890s captured a pivotal moment in French social history while establishing new technical standards for colour printing. This guide aims to help sellers navigate the market for Toulouse-Lautrec's prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
Toulouse-Lautrec's work emerged from his deep immersion in the theatrical world of Montmartre. Working directly on lithographic stones, he developed techniques for layering colours and creating subtle gradients that had never been achieved before. His prints often depict performers, prostitutes, and patrons of Paris's entertainment districts, capturing both the glamour and grit of nocturnal life. In collaboration with master printer Auguste Clot and publisher Gustave Pellet, he produced some of the most technically accomplished and influential prints of the 19th century.
How Much Do Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Prints Sell For?
Because Toulouse-Lautrec understood both fine art and mass media, his prints bridged what had previously been considered an insurmountable cultural divide, fundamentally altering the trajectory of printmaking. Today, his prints maintain consistent demand in the market, with values reflecting both their artistic significance and their role in advertising history. Individual prints typically achieve between £30,000 and £150,000, with sets of prints edging ever closer to seven-figure sales. The market shows particular strength in France and the United States, where institutional and private collectors maintain active interest.
His print portfolio Elles (1896) has consistently proved to be his most popular collection of prints at auction, partially due to the small size of each print run. The set, featuring prints such as La Clownesse Assise (1896), depicts the women working within one of Paris’ brothels at the turn of the century. In 2017, a full set of 12 Elles prints sold for £991,821 in New York - more than double its low estimate, and a record sale that still stands today. Complete and incomplete sets of the Elles series also hold the second, third and fourth highest print sale values in Toulouse-Lautrec's market. Prints from this set do still fair well when sold separately; for instance, in 2019, La Clownesse Assise (1896) sold for £123,740 on its own, proving the enduring popularity of the images themselves.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s depictions of Parisian women extended to equally candid portraits of gentile, bourgeois, and upper-class women. These portraits, rendered with the same softness as his Elles series, are often some of the most sought-after prints for collectors. La Grande Loge (1897), for example, holds the record for highest-value sale of an individual Toulouse-Lautrec print. An edition sold in 2002 for £385,320.
His posters from the 1890s represent the pinnacle of his innovation. Their bolder colour palettes and occasional textual elements make them quintessential of the era - they are historical artefacts as much as works of art. An edition of Moulin Rouge: La Goulue (c.1891) sold in 2014 for £260,000 in London. At an estimated edition of 3,000 prints, this high price demonstrates the considerable relative value of these posters compared to standard limited editions. The Moulin Rouge was the subject of many of Toulouse-Lautrec’s lithographic posters. L'Anglais Au Moulin Rouge (1892) and La Danse Au Moulin Rouge (1897) are some of the most valuable; the latter selling for £180,000 in 2023. Other popular prints by the artist include Miss Loïe Fuller (1893) and Partie De Campagne (1897), although these prints have yet to break the six-figure threshold.
How Do You Authenticate A Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Print?
As one of the 19th century's most frequently reproduced printmakers, Toulouse-Lautrec's work requires careful authentication. Prints should be compared to known records, should be accompanied by verifiable documentation, and stand up to physical scrutiny. The primary reference for authentication is Wolfgang Wittrock's catalogue raisonné of Toulouse-Lautrec’s prints, published across two volumes in 1985, which provides detailed information about every known print, including paper types, printing variations, and original edition sizes. Any documentation of provenance, including certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, or exhibition history, will also strengthen the authentication process and will be vital at the point of sale.
Toulouse-Lautrec's prints and posters were produced on archival-quality paper, specifically China paper, fine wove paper, and Japan paper. Each type has specific characteristics that must align with the documented preferences for particular editions. The stamps or watermarks from printers such as Auguste Clot, Edward Ancourt, and H. Stern can provide crucial evidence of authenticity, as can stamps or monograms from publishers. The monogram of Gustave Pellet, who published many of Toulouse-Lautrec’s most significant print series, is particularly recognisable.
Edition and Signature
Toulouse-Lautrec's approach to signing and numbering prints varied significantly between his commercial posters and his fine art prints. Commercial posters typically bear a printed signature of “TLautrec” incorporated into the design, while his limited edition prints often feature his signature in pencil in the lower right margin, usually accompanied by his monogram in black or red. Edition sizes varied considerably, with some posters printed in runs of thousands, while certain fine art prints were limited to as few as 25 impressions. Artist's proofs, particularly those with hand-colouring or unique variations, are highly prized by collectors.
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Has Your Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Print Been Kept In Good Condition?
The condition of a Toulouse-Lautrec print significantly influences its market value. The age of his prints, the then-innovative printing techniques he used, and his choice of materials present unique conservation challenges. The types of paper he used, particularly the delicate Japan paper and the more substantial wove paper, respond differently to environmental conditions. The light, acidic nature of antique Japan paper makes it especially vulnerable to tears and deterioration at the edges.
Toulouse-Lautrec's colour lithographs are characterised by their subtle tonal variations and soft colour palettes, especially yellows, oranges, and muted reds - all hues that can be quickly negatively affected by exposure to harsh sunlight or artificial light. In addition to this, Toulouse-Lautrec used transparent inks, layered to create complex colours, adding to their susceptibility to fading.
When assessing the physical condition of your print, significant differences will be visible between Toulouse-Lautrec fine art prints and posters. As many of the artist’s posters were folded for distribution, the original fold lines will add to the history of the print, potentially increasing its value for the right collector. Additional creasing, however, can have a negative impact on value. Original posters that survive without fold lines are exceptionally rare.
Storage conditions play a crucial role in preservation. Prints should be kept in acid-free environments, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If displayed, UV-protective glazing and proper mounting with acid-free materials are essential. Only handle prints while wearing clean cotton gloves to prevent oils from hands damaging the paper.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Henri De Toulouse Lautrec print, contact MyArtBroker.
When Is The Best Time To Sell My Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Print?
The timing of a Toulouse-Lautrec print sale requires careful consideration of market dynamics and cultural events. Sales data shows consistent strength during major exhibitions focusing on Impressionism or the culture of 19th century Paris. The comprehensive retrospective at the Grand Palais in Paris in 2019-20 sparked renewed international attention, leading to several significant print sales in the following months.
The market for Toulouse-Lautrec's prints tends to peak during themed auctions concentrating on Impressionist and Modern art. These specialised sales attract dedicated collectors who understand the historical significance of his printmaking innovations. Anniversary years relating to key moments in Toulouse-Lautrec's career can create particularly favourable selling conditions, as can high-value sales of original paintings. This relationship between painting and print values was demonstrated clearly in 2015, when three original works sold for over £6million, including a £9.5million sale of his iconic Au Lit: Le Baiser (1892) in London. The impact on the print market was immediate - just a month later La Clownesse Assise (1896) sold for £160,000 in London. This pattern triggered an uptick in impressive print sales results that continued throughout the following few years.
European auction houses, particularly in Paris and London, traditionally achieve the strongest results for mid-range Toulouse-Lautrec prints. The French market maintains special interest in works depicting Parisian entertainment venues, while international buyers often compete for his portraits of celebrated performers. The autumn sales in Paris regularly feature important examples of his work, making September through November an especially active period for the market. Auction houses in New York, however, have experienced a flurry of high-value Toulouse-Lautrec print sales in recent years, owing to the romantic depiction of turn-of-the-century Europe. The current record sale, for example, occurred in New York in 2017.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Print?
Selling A Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Via A Broker
Art brokers specialising in 19th century prints offer a more personalised approach to selling a Toulouse-Lautrec print. These professionals often maintain networks of collectors interested in Belle Époque art and can facilitate private sales with discretion and efficiency. Brokers offer the advantage of personalised service and expert guidance, with the potential for quicker sales than through auction houses. Their targeted approach can be particularly effective for prints that might appeal to specific collectors, such as those focused on French theatrical history or early poster art. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees compared to auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. When choosing a broker, look for those with a proven track record in handling Toulouse-Lautrec's work and a deep understanding of the market for 19th century French prints.
Selling A Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Via Auction House
Prestigious auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly feature Toulouse-Lautrec's prints in their 19th century art sales, offering a global platform for your work. These establishments leverage their extensive networks to attract serious collectors from around the world, particularly those passionate about French Post-Impressionist art and early advertising history. The competitive atmosphere of a live auction can be advantageous for rare impressions or prints with distinguished provenance, potentially driving prices higher than initially estimated. Auction houses excel at contextualising Toulouse-Lautrec's work within the broader narrative of late 19th century art through high-quality catalogues and preview events. However, this route comes with substantial fees, often reaching 25% of the hammer price. There's also the inherent unpredictability of auctions; your piece might exceed expectations or fail to meet its reserve price. You will have limited control over the timing and presentation of the sale, as you'll need to adhere to the auction house's schedule and cataloguing process.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling A Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have grown in popularity, offering a platform for sellers to reach a global audience. However, for high-value historical prints like Toulouse-Lautrec's, these venues present significant challenges. The inability to properly examine paper quality, printing technique, and condition in person makes most serious collectors unwilling to purchase through these channels. While online platforms might seem to offer convenient access to buyers worldwide, the lack of specialised expertise and proper authentication protocols makes them largely unsuitable for works of this calibre. If considering an online sale, choose only specialised fine art platforms with robust verification processes and experience handling blue chip art prints. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide necessary security measures for high-value transactions. However, for rare or significant Toulouse-Lautrec prints, traditional auction houses or specialist brokers remain the most appropriate and secure selling venues.
Why Sell Your Henri De Toulouse Lautrec with MyArtBroker?
A Dedicated Broker
MyArtBroker offers a distinctive service connecting clients with their dedicated personal broker, ensuring a secure transaction through our online digital platform. Our specialists excel at sourcing direct buyers for consigned prints via our live trading floor, where users within our extensive network can express interest in specific prints and multiples by particular artists, whether they intend to sell, buy, or simply enquire about a specific print. Our team is approachable, passionate, and consistently provides updates on the art market and artists. We guide sellers through a seamless transaction process, establishing a fair market valuation based on realistic sale prices and offering free advice on the optimal timing for selling, leveraging our extensive knowledge of the art market.
Minimise Risk
At MyArtBroker, we prioritise transparency and security in every art sale. Our stringent due diligence process ensures the authentication and verification of artwork provenance, drawing upon our in-house expertise and collaborating with professional external contacts when needed. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of trading counterfeit or stolen art pieces. Additionally, we minimise the risks associated with public sales. While public auctions may seem appealing, unsold prints can harm an artist's market. Private sales eliminate this risk and enable quicker liquidity release for your artwork compared to adhering to strict auction schedules dictating when your work can be offered for sale.
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Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
Our Network
Through our live trading floor we empower our network of collectors, fundamentally reshaping the art investment and trading landscape in the digital era. Offering real time market data and insights gleaned from worldwide collectors, we establish value based on convenience, accessibility, and the exceptional level of transparency and security provided to over tens of thousands of users.
Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Collection Management With MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com
Interested in buying or selling
Henri De Toulouse Lautrec?
Henri De Toulouse Lautrec
19 works
