The artwork titled “Miss May Belfort,” created by the esteemed artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895, is an oil on canvas painting belonging to the Post-Impressionism movement. It is a portrait with dimensions measuring 80 by 60 centimeters and is presently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a striking figure against a vibrant yellow background. The subject, Miss May Belfort, is adorned in a bright red dress that cascades down in loose, energetic strokes. The red of the dress contrasts sharply with the yellow of the background, showcasing the artist’s bold use of color. Around her head, a hint of a light veil or shawl can be seen, possibly indicating the fashion or status of the subject.
The face of Miss Belfort is rendered with great attention to detail, capturing her gaze and the dark curls of her hair which frame her visage. Notably, there is a small black cat perched on her shoulder, adding an element of whimsy or symbolism to the composition. The cat’s presence could be indicative of the subject’s personality or perhaps an aspect of the performance as Miss May Belfort was known for her performances with a song involving a small cat.
The background of the portrait features sketchy, grid-like lines, perhaps suggesting a stage or simple backdrop, emphasizing the performative nature of the subject. The overall style of the artwork is characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s interest in capturing the lively scene of Parisian nightlife at the end of the 19th century, with a focus on figures from the entertainment world.
The inscription “MANBI” at the bottom of the canvas adds an element of context, possibly referring to the name of the subject in a stylized or performative manner. The technical execution and the expressive line work are emblematic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s capacity to distill the essence of his subjects into poignant portraits that transcend mere representation to capture the vibrancy and vivacity of the era.
