The artwork in discussion, “Jane Avril leaving the Moulin Rouge,” is a creation by the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec dating back to 1893. This piece of art is executed using oil on cardboard and belongs to the Post-Impressionism movement. The dimensions of this genre painting are 84.3 cm in height by 63.4 cm in width, and it captures the essence of the Parisian night-life scene of that era.
The painting is a vibrant and candid depiction of Jane Avril, a celebrated French cancan dancer at the infamous Moulin Rouge. She is portrayed in profile, walking away from the establishment, suggesting a moment of departure or transition. Avril is elegantly dressed in a classic belle époque style, with a tight-fitting long dress adorned with ruffles, and a chic hat placed upon her head, accentuating her high societal status and integration into the bohemian lifestyle. Her outer garment has a rich blue hue that contrasts sharply against the yellow and golden speckled backdrop of the street. The artwork emanates a sense of movement, not only through Avril’s pose but also through the visible brushstrokes and the activity implied by surrounding figures and the bustling setting. It provides a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the time and reflects Toulouse-Lautrec’s fascination with the colorful personalities and nocturnal life of 19th-century Paris.
