The artwork “At the Moulin Rouge, La Goulue with Her Sister” was created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1892, encapsulating the dynamic atmosphere of the Parisian nightlife during the Art Nouveau period. The piece is a genre painting, a snapshot of social life featuring the famous dancer La Goulue. With dimensions of 45.8 x 34.7 cm, this artwork currently resides within a private collection.
The composition draws the viewer’s attention to the vibrant scene at the Moulin Rouge. In the artwork, there are two central female figures, presumed to be La Goulue, recognized for her performances at the venue, standing with her back to the viewer, and her sister. They are depicted amidst a bustling crowd characterized by men in formal attire, with tall hats that signal the fashion of the time.
The background is energetic, filled with an array of bright yellows and reds, suggesting the boisterous and glowing interior of the famed establishment. Patrons are engaged in conversations and enjoyment, while some figures are only partially visible, adding a sense of depth and movement to the scene.
The use of color is bold, with the strong contrast of the figures’ dark clothing against the warm backdrop, highlighting Toulouse-Lautrec’s fascination with nightlife and the theatricality of the subjects within his oeuvre. The distinct brushwork and flat planes of color are characteristic of the Post-Impressionist style, allowing Toulouse-Lautrec to convey both the immediacy of the moment and a sense of the ephemeral nature of the evening’s revelry.
