The artwork entitled “Snobisme” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was created in approximately 1897 and is a quintessential example of the Art Nouveau style, which was predominant in the Modern era. This genre painting is part of the collection at the Brooklyn Museum, located in New York City, New York, in the United States.
In the composition, Toulouse-Lautrec has skillfully captured a social scene suggestive of snobbery and elitism, hence the title “Snobisme.” The artwork exhibits the artist’s characteristic use of swift, expressive lines and a limited yet impactful color palette, which helps to accentuate certain elements within the scene. There is an air of casual yet intense conversation between the foreground figures, with one man seated, holding what appears to be a card or a small piece of paper, and the other, standing, leaning in attentively.
The background features other figures that contribute to the sense of a social setting, possibly a cafe or a similar gathering place of the era. These individuals appear more aloof, with one man standing erect in the center, donning a top hat and an overcoat, which enhances the theme of snobbery that Toulouse-Lautrec intends to convey. The use of shades of olive green and orange against the earthy tan of the paper creates a harmonious yet understated contrast.
Overall, “Snobisme” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec encapsulates a moment in social interaction within a specific cultural context, showcasing the artist’s acute observational skills and his distinctive approach to capturing the social dynamics of his time.
