The artwork “Madame Aline Gibert” by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was created in the year 1887. Toulouse-Lautrec employed oil on canvas as his medium, and the piece is representative of the Post-Impressionism movement within the genre of portraiture. Currently, the artwork resides within a private collection, signifying its exclusive accessibility and preservation outside of public institutions.
The artwork depicts Madame Aline Gibert, who is portrayed in a domestic and relaxed setting. She is seated comfortably, appearing engaged in the act of reading what seems to be a newspaper or a magazine. Her gaze is directed downwards towards the periodical, her attention absorbed by the content. The naturalistic representation captures a moment of everyday life, characterized by a sense of ease and tranquility.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s use of color conveys warmth and intimacy, with the reddish and green tones predominating the composition. Through expressive brushstrokes, he instills a sense of texture and dimension to both the figure and her surroundings. The play of light and shadow enhances the depth of the scene, while the contrast between the verdant greens and the rich earthy tones contributes to a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
The subject is dressed in a dark, high-necked garment that suggests a level of formality or fashion of the period, but her posture and activity exude an informal, candid quality. A round wooden table occupies the foreground, upon which rest a blue bowl and an ashtray filled with cigarette butts, indicative of a personal, habitual space. The background, though loosely defined, suggests an interior space, possibly a parlor or living room, complemented by what appears to be a window or a mirror that adds a hint of exterior light, subtly illuminating the scene.
