The artwork titled “Portrait of Madame de Gortzikolff” was created by the prominent Post-Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1893. It’s a portrait rendered in oil on cardboard, with dimensions of 75 x 51 cm. Residing within a private collection, this work is a testament to Toulouse-Lautrec’s skill in capturing the essence of his subjects through his Post-Impressionist lens.
The artwork features Madame de Gortzikolff, depicted with a genteel poise indicative of her societal status. She is seated and enveloped in a luxurious fur stole that drapes over her shoulders, conveying a sense of opulence and warmth. Her attire is complemented by a delicate crown of leaves adorning her hair, suggesting an air of elegance and possibly a connection to high society festivities or fashion.
Toulouse-Lautrec uses a vivid color palette, with the reds in the background creating a dynamic contrast to the cool greens of the fur and the softer tones of Madame de Gortzikolff’s face. Her expression is one of serene contemplation, with her gaze slightly averted from the viewer, further adding to the mystique of her character. The interior setting, hinted at with minimal detail, focuses the viewer’s attention primarily on the subject herself rather than her surroundings. Such characteristics are typical of Toulouse-Lautrec’s work, which often provides a snapshot of life among Parisian elites and bohemians during the late 19th century.
