Img341 Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901)

The drawing presents a curious encounter between a man and a horse. Here we observe a gentleman, dressed in what appears to be late 18th or early 19th century attire – breeches, a coat with tails, and a waistcoat – extending his hand towards an equine subject. The figure’s posture is formal; he stands erect, exhibiting a degree of self-assurance that contrasts subtly with the animals demeanor. A riding crop hangs loosely from his left hand, suggesting familiarity with equestrian pursuits.
The horse itself occupies a significant portion of the composition. Its head is tilted slightly towards the man, and its expression seems to convey a mixture of curiosity and perhaps cautious acceptance. The artist has rendered the horse’s anatomy with a degree of detail, particularly in the depiction of its mane and tail.
A notable element is the unusual size disparity between the two figures. The horse appears disproportionately large compared to the man, creating an unsettling visual dynamic. This exaggeration could be interpreted as symbolic – perhaps representing the power or untamable nature of the animal, or conversely, highlighting the man’s attempt to exert control over something inherently wild.
The monochromatic palette, executed in a reddish-brown hue, contributes to the drawings overall mood. The lack of color emphasizes the lines and forms, directing attention to the interaction between the two figures. It also lends a sense of antiquity or sketchiness, as if this is a preliminary study for a larger work.
The composition’s simplicity – the two figures against a largely empty background – focuses the viewers gaze on their relationship. The gesture of the extended hand suggests an offering, a tentative connection between human and animal. However, the underlying tension created by the size difference and the horse’s ambiguous expression leaves room for multiple interpretations regarding the nature of this interaction: is it one of dominance, friendship, or something more complex?