The artwork “Messaline” is a creation of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, dating from the period of 1900-1901. This genre painting is executed in oil on canvas and is attributed to the Art Nouveau (Modern) and Post-Impressionism movements. The painting can be found in the collection of the E.G. Bührle Foundation, located in Zürich, Switzerland.
In the artwork, one observes a scene from antiquity, possibly a theatrical depiction, comprising three discernible figures. At the forefront, two gladiators are visible, with one of them seemingly looking upward. Both are adorned in traditional gladiatorial armor, characterized by a combination of vivid reds, maroons, and greens which imbue a sense of vibrancy and movement within the composition.
The central subject is a woman positioned in the background, standing on what appears to be a staircase with a deep crimson fabric draped behind her. She is dressed in a striking red gown that contrasts sharply with her pale skin and the greenish surroundings. Her posture is upright and commanding, and she is adorned with flowers in her hair, suggesting a role of importance or celebration.
The setting evokes a garden or outdoor gathering place at twilight or night, hinted at by the dark, dense foliage in the background and the greenery that surrounds the figures. Toulouse-Lautrec’s distinctive brushwork, with its loose and expressive strokes, adds to the dynamic atmosphere of the scene. The composition, while featuring depth through the positioning of figures and use of color, has an almost theatrical flatness, aligning with the artist’s interest in capturing the spirited scenes of entertainment and nightlife.
