Toulouse-Lautrec's Contribution to Poster Art

What was Toulouse-Lautrec's most original contribution in the realm of art?

Was Toulouse-Lautrec's art influenced by any specific movement?

Answer:

Toulouse-Lautrec's most original contribution was in the realm of poster art through the new form of lithography. His art was influenced by the Realism movement.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a French artist who made a significant impact on the art world through his innovative approach to poster art. Toulouse-Lautrec's most original contribution was in the realm of poster art, where he single-handedly made the new form of lithography and the poster-respectable media for major art.

His art was part of the Realism movement, depicting life as it was, often illustrating urban and working-class life. This marked a major shift in art from romantic to more realistic portrayals. Realism was a counter-reaction to more romantic and exotic depictions of life in art. Artists from this movement, like Toulouse-Lautrec, were not afraid to present the uglier, challenging sides of life, making it a significant shift in the art scene of the time.