The artwork “La Revue Blanche” is a portrait created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is currently held in a private collection. Toulouse-Lautrec was known for his vibrant and evocative depiction of the Parisian nightlife and for his involvement in the avant-garde art scene of the time.
In the artwork, a female figure is portrayed in a fashionable dress characteristic of the period. The woman, presented in profile, embodies the elegance and flair of the time, with a striking hat adorned with a large, curly plume. The hat sits atop a coiffed hairdo that is neatly arranged, revealing the attention to style and detail. She wears a high-collared garment that flares at the shoulders, enveloping her in what appears to be a luxurious fur, accented with stylized crab motifs that inject an element of whimsy into the otherwise sophisticated ensemble.
Her dress is adorned with a pattern of red dots, which contrast with the dark fabric. The woman’s pale face is turned slightly toward the viewer, displaying an expression that suggests confidence or introspection. The bold, dark outline of her form stands out against the lighter background, which shows signs of age and wear. A notable feature is the red sun-like motif on her white hand warmer, echoing the colors of the crabs and the dots on her dress, and contributing to the overall aesthetic quality and visual interest of the portrait.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s composition and use of color exemplify the stylization and decorative qualities that were central to Art Nouveau works of the era. The portrait stands as a testament to the artist’s talent in capturing the spirit of his time and his contribution to an important artistic movement.
