The artwork titled “The Clown Cha U Kao” was created by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1895. This portrait is executed on board with the medium of oil. Belonging to the Post-Impressionism movement, the artwork measures 81 by 59.7 centimeters. Currently held in a private collection, the artwork embodies Toulouse-Lautrec’s fascination with the colorful lives of entertainers from the late 19th-century Parisian nightlife.
The artwork captures the figure of a clown, specifically a female performer known as Cha U Kao. She is depicted with a distinct visual poignancy, characterized by the Post-Impressionist style that emphasizes the emotional and expressive over realism. The portrait radiates a sense of individuality and the unique persona of the subject.
Cha U Kao is portrayed with light skin and blonde hair, topped with a yellow hat that forms a striking element of her clown costume. Her ruffled yellow collar stands out against her dark dress, contributing to the vibrancy and theatricality that is often associated with performance attire. The background is composed of loose, energetic brushstrokes in shades of blue and orange that complement the central figure while giving an impression of the lively atmosphere in which she would have performed.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s skill in capturing the spirit of his subjects is evident in this portrait, where the pose and expression of Cha U Kao suggest a contemplative moment, a stark contrast to the jovial nature of her profession. The dichotomy between her introspective demeanor and her profession’s extroverted demands speaks to the complexity of the lives led by performers of her time.
