The artwork “Jardin de Paris, May Belfort” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec dates back to the year 1883, an exquisite example of the Art Nouveau movement, which was at its zenith in the modern era. This portrait, with dimensions of 130 x 95 cm, showcases Toulouse-Lautrec’s skill in capturing the essence of his subject. The artwork currently resides within the distinguished Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
In the artwork, one can observe the portrayal of May Belfort, a famed performer of the late 19th century. She is depicted in a striking red dress, which boldly contrasts against a lightly sketched beige background, standing full-length and facing forward. Her attire is completed by a large boned collar and black gloves, while a black cat is cradled in her arms, contributing to the overall composition. Notably, her facial expression appears serene and enigmatic. The stylized text “May Belfort” at the bottom serves as both the title and a nod to poster art of the period. The minimalistic background and use of flat areas of color are indicative of Toulouse-Lautrec’s signature style, which often reflected the vibrant nightlife and theatrical characters of Paris during the Belle Époque.
