The artwork titled “Marcelle Lender,” created by artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895, is a portrait that exemplifies the Art Nouveau movement. This artwork, with dimensions of 32.5 x 24 cm, forms part of the collection housed at the Yale University Art Gallery, located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
The artwork presents a profile depiction of a woman against a backdrop adorned with a pattern, which appears to be composed of sinuous lines and shapes—a common characteristic of the Art Nouveau style, emphasizing natural forms and structures. The woman, Marcelle Lender, is likely portrayed mid-performance, given Lautrec’s penchant for capturing the vibrant life of Parisian entertainers. She is shown with her head turned to the side, displaying an elegant, elongated neck, which suggests a sense of grace and poise. Her hair is colored in striking orange tones and styled with exuberance, which contrasts against the softer shades of her attire.
The woman’s attire is intricately detailed. The dress has an ethereal quality, illustrated with subtle lines and a flowing silhouette, invoking the fluidity and dynamism commonly sought after in Art Nouveau imagery. The pale green of the dress complements the warmer hues of her hair. Notably, the blouse is decorated with a patterned detail, and a decorative element resembling a flower can be discerned near her shoulder. A large, flamboyant hat with feathers adds to the theatricality of the portrait, alluding to the subject’s possible affiliation with the performing arts during that era.
The use of color in the artwork is limited yet impactful, focusing the viewer’s attention on key elements of the subject’s presence and attire. Each stroke is deliberate, contributing to the overall stylization that Lautrec is renowned for. The artwork is framed within a border that echoes the Art Nouveau preference for organic, decorative motifs, which harmonize with the figure and the background pattern. This elegant portrait captures a moment of serene contemplation and highlights Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery at portraying the vibrancy and character of his subjects.
