“At Montrouge (Rosa la Rouge)” is a significant artwork by the acclaimed Post-Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, completed in the years 1886-1887. This genre painting, created using oil on canvas, measures 72.3 by 49 cm and exemplifies the art movement’s characteristics with its expressive brushwork and emphasis on emotional content over realistic depiction. The artwork is part of the collection housed at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, where it contributes to the institution’s representation of Post-Impressionist art.
The artwork portrays a woman, viewed in profile, set against a dimly lit background with abstracted forms hinting at an interior space. The subject is dressed in a white blouse, which is rendered with loose, visible brushstrokes that capture the interplay of light and shadow, suggesting volume and texture. The woman’s face is turned away from the viewer, her gaze directed to something outside the frame, invoking a sense of contemplation or distraction.
The color palette is subdued, with earthy tones dominating the composition and sparing use of brighter hues to accentuate certain details, such as the hint of red in the woman’s hair. Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery at capturing the essence of his subjects is evident in the posture and expression of the figure, conveying personality and mood with economy. Overall, the artwork is emblematic of the Post-Impressionist movement’s focus on personal interpretation and the psychological depth of its subjects.
