Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Rice Powder” is an oil on canvas painting dating from the year 1887. This artwork is an exemplary piece of the Post-Impressionism movement and falls within the genre of portraiture. It is currently housed at the Van Gogh Museum, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork captures the visage of a woman seated at a table, enveloped in a candid but contemplative mood. Her gaze is direct, engaging the viewer with a subtle intensity that suggests a narrative beyond the canvas. She appears to be positioned indoors, with a discernible background that arguably adds depth to the composition while maintaining the focus on her figure. Her attire is modest and light in color, contrasting compellingly with her environment. The table upon which her arms rest holds what seems to be a powder puff and a small stack of red items. Toulouse-Lautrec’s brushwork is expressive, carrying the distinct touch of the Post-Impressionist style, where the textures and play of light are as crucial to the painting’s expression as the subject itself.
