“Madame Lili Grenier” is a portrait created by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1888. Crafted using oil on canvas, the artwork exemplifies the Post-Impressionism movement and currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a seated woman, her body turned slightly to the side while her face gazes off to the left, indifferent to the viewer. The brushwork is loose and expressive, indicative of the Post-Impressionist style, which favored the use of bold colors and distinct brush strokes to convey emotion and movement rather than merely replicating reality.
The subject, Madame Lili Grenier, is adorned in a black garment with a prominent red scarf around her neck, which adds a striking contrast of color. Her red hair is fixed in an updo style, harmonizing with the color of the scarf. The background is rendered in muted tones, creating an impression of the ambiance rather than depicting a concrete space, which allows the focus to remain on the figure herself.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s portrayal is evocative and leaves an impression of the sitter’s character and disposition, which was an important aspect of portraiture during this era. Her expression is contemplative and serene, suggesting an intimate moment captured by the artist. The play of light and shadow models her features and contributes to the overall depth and texture of the painting.
