The artwork titled “Lucie Bellanger” is a creation of the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, executed approximately between 1895 and 1896. This portrait is rendered in oil on cardboard, measuring 80.7 x 60 cm. Displaying characteristics of Post-Impressionism, the artwork is a representation of the portrait genre, and is housed within the collection of the Musee Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, France.
The portrait features an individual shown in profile, set against a neutral, earthy-toned background. The subject’s expression is contemplative, reinforced by the loose and rapid brushwork that conveys a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Toulouse-Lautrec’s style here is indicative of Post-Impressionism with its emphasis on abstraction and a departure from realism while still focusing on the subjective interpretation of the sitter.
The use of color in the artwork is both muted and selective, with the figure rendered in soft pastels and strokes that outline her form and features. The subject’s attire appears informal, suggesting a private and casual moment rather than a formal setting. The brushstrokes are confident and evocative, typical of Toulouse-Lautrec’s technique, capturing the essence of the sitter with economy of detail but richness of character.
The overall composition subtly centers the sitter in a moment of daily life, a choice that allows viewers to glimpse a personal story or character reflected through the artist’s perspective. As typical with Toulouse-Lautrec’s work, the artwork bridges the gap between the fleeting nature of human expression and the permanence of art.
