The artwork “Mademoiselle Marcelle Lender, Standing” was created by the distinguished artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1895. It is a portrait that encapsulates the characteristics of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement, exemplifying the style’s interest in decorative art and individual expression. This piece resides within a private collection, signifying its exclusive status and the esteem held for Toulouse-Lautrec’s work.
This artwork features a depiction of a woman, Mademoiselle Marcelle Lender, portrayed in a manner that is both striking and elegant. The subject stands at a profile angle, with her body slightly turned towards the viewer. Her expression is enlivened with a sense of vivacity and movement, captured through the artist’s deft handling of line and color. Toulouse-Lautrec employs a reductive color palette that emphasizes the contours and silhouette of Lender’s figure.
The portrait’s composition is characterized by the fluid, expressive lines and the sparing use of color, a hallmark of Toulouse-Lautrec’s stylistic approach. Notably, a vibrant splash of red on what appears to be a corsage or sash around her waist captures the viewer’s attention, providing a focal point amidst the more subdued tones. The subject’s attire, including her feathered hat, suggests the fashion of the era, while her posture and raised chin convey a sense of confidence and theatrical flair.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s technique in creating this artwork, which may include lithography or pastel, is indicative of his innovative approach to portraiture. The background is minimally detailed, allowing the subject’s form and the artist’s delicate application of color to take precedence, resulting in a portrait that not only embodies the individuality of Mademoiselle Lender but also reflects the broader artistic innovations of the Art Nouveau period.
