La Rousse with a white blouse

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a French painter and aristocrat whose life was marked by an accident in his childhood that stunted the growth of his legs.

Because of this physical disability, he was rejected by the aristocratic class from which he came and took refuge in Montmartre, the haven of Impressionist painters in 19th century Paris.

Painting was his way of escaping. He portrayed Parisian bohemian life and was a great admirer of Degas, with whom he shared the urban theme of his work and an almost photographic compositional style. He painted very innovative portraits, but his favourite subjects were prostitutes and Paris night life.

His most popular and well-known works are the illustrations and posters he created for Paris night clubs, such as the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, and which Lautrec turned into an art form.

In this work, despite the Impressionist touches on the hair and the background, drawing is still very much present in the sitter’s profile and her blouse. A new concept of volume can be seen that was to have a strong influence on Picasso. The cold colours and the model’s attitude convey a great sense of sadness.


(c) (R) 2013, MUSMon com S.L.
Text (a) Catalina Serrano Romero

Picture
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Author: Botaurus
Permission: This artwork is in the public domain: The author of this artwork died more than 70 years ago. According to E.U. Copyright Law, copyright expires 70 years after the author's death. In other countries, legislation may differ.