The artwork titled “Jane Avril,” created by artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1892, is an oil on panel portrait that is part of the Post-Impressionist movement. The piece has dimensions of 63.2 cm by 42.2 cm and resides at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA, United States.
The artwork depicts Jane Avril, a famed dancer of the 19th century, known for her performances at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. Toulouse-Lautrec captures Avril in a vibrant, yet contemplative pose. She wears an elaborate hat adorned with what appears to be feathers or flowers, and her outfit consists of a voluminous ruffled garment that envelopes her neck and shoulders, hinting at the extravagance and fashion of the time. The colour palette is characterized by an interplay of cool and warm tones, with contrasting hues that create a sense of depth and texture in the portrait. The background is executed with vertical brushstrokes of varying intensity, giving an impressionistic feel to the setting surrounding Avril. The expression on her face is somewhat enigmatic, with lips slightly parted and eyes that seem to gaze into the distance, suggesting a moment of introspection or detachment from her surroundings. Toulouse-Lautrec’s style, emphasizing the character and aura of the subject, is evident in this intimate portrayal of Jane Avril.
