The artwork titled “Cissy Loftus” is a portrait created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1894. It belongs to the Art Nouveau movement, a style often characterized by organic, especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs, as well as highly-stylized, flowing curvilinear forms. With dimensions measuring approximately 36.9 by 24.6 centimeters, this piece exemplifies the genre of portraiture within the context of Modern art.
In the artwork, the subject is depicted in a performance pose, wearing a dress with ruffled edges that suggest movement and flair. A top hat adorns her head, adding a touch of sophistication and contrasting with her expressive face, which exudes an air of confidence and dramatic flair. The background features indistinct outlines that one could interpret as curtains, implying that the subject may be on stage. The overall composition, with its loose, sketch-like quality, conveys a sense of immediacy and the fleeting nature of a live performance. This drawing is rendered in a manner that captures the essence of the sitter with a few expertly placed strokes, indicative of Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery in conveying character and mood.
