The artwork titled “Girl in a Fur, Mademoiselle Jeanne Fontaine” is an exquisite example of Post-Impressionist portraiture by the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Created in 1891, this oil on board painting is part of a private collection. The piece epitomizes the stylistic nuances and intimate perspective characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s work within the portrait genre.
In the artwork, we observe a side profile of Mademoiselle Jeanne Fontaine, who appears to be lost in thought or contemplation. Her elegant attire, specifically the fur and bold red dress, suggests a sense of sophistication and perhaps a glimpse into her social status or the fashion of the era. Toulouse-Lautrec’s usage of contrasting vivid and muted colors, alongside his distinctive brushwork, captures the texture of the fur and fabric, conveying a rich tactile sensation. The background is rendered in more abstract strokes of green and yellow, providing a stark contrast to the figure and emphasizing her form. Toulouse-Lautrec’s skill in capturing the essence of his subjects is evident in the poise and demeanor of Mademoiselle Fontaine, embodying the essence of Post-Impressionism through the personal and evocative depiction of his sitter.
