The artwork titled “Jane Avril Seen from the Back” was created by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1893. This piece is a study executed in oil on cardboard, measuring 67 by 52 centimeters. It is representative of the Art Nouveau movement, specifically falling under the genre of sketch and study. This work is housed in the Musee Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, France.
The artwork depicts a figure viewed from behind, with an emphasis on the outline and bearing of the person rather than on fine detail. The subject appears to be a woman, identifiable as Jane Avril, a frequent muse of Toulouse-Lautrec, and a well-known performer of the time. The lines are swift and appear spontaneous, suggesting the artist’s aim to capture a likeness or mood rather than a meticulous representation. The use of color is selective, highlighting areas of interest such as the woman’s hat, which is adorned with what seem to be flowers or feathers, and her garments, which are rendered in a loosely Impressionistic style. This sketch provides insight into Toulouse-Lautrec’s artistic process, capturing the essence of form and posture with economic use of brushstrokes.
