The artwork titled “Extra in the Folies Bergere Revue” was created by the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1896. This piece is executed in oil on cardboard, exemplifying the Art Nouveau (Modern) art movement. Classified as a sketch and study, it evokes the lively atmosphere of the entertainment world of that era. The artwork is housed in the Musee Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, France, which holds an extensive collection of the artist’s works.
The artwork displays vigorous brushstrokes and bold outlines characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s style. It portrays a performer from the famous Folies Bergère, an institution known for its cabaret entertainment. The figure is sketched with an economy of line but conveys a sense of dynamic movement and the spirited nature of the revue. The use of color is strategic, highlighting key features of the costume and bringing focus to the expressive posture and gesture of the performer. The background remains starkly minimalistic, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain on the central figure. The subject appears to be caught in a candid moment, suggesting that the artist was interested in portraying the authentic experiences and fleeting moments behind the scenes of the glamorous world of Parisian nightlife.
