The artwork titled “Horsewoman and Dog,” created by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec around 1899, is a genre painting rendered in oil on canvas, measuring 55 x 46 cm. Belonging to the Post-Impressionism movement, this painting is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a dynamic scene capturing a moment of leisure in the countryside. It features a horsewoman elegantly riding her chestnut horse, which is portrayed mid-stride, with its front legs lifted off the ground. The rider sits poised, dressed in a traditional riding habit complete with a dark jacket and a top hat, suggesting an air of genteel sophistication. A sense of movement is palpable in the artwork, emphasized not only by the horse’s posture but also by the brushstrokes that model the background.
Alongside the horse and rider, a dog is depicted in mid-leap, sharing in the spirited outdoor activity. The interaction between the horse, rider, and dog suggests a harmonious relationship and a shared enjoyment of the outdoor setting. The backdrop consists of wide strokes and a subdued color palette that conveys an impression of a vast, open landscape, characteristic of the looser, expressive technique associated with Post-Impressionism. Toulouse-Lautrec’s ability to capture the essence of a scene with his distinct brushwork and color application is evident in this portrayal of a fleeting, yet timeless moment of equestrian grace and companionship with nature.
