The artwork titled “The Last Crumbs (In The Restaurant La Mie)” was created by the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1891. This piece is an oil on cardboard painting that measures 53.5 by 68 centimeters. It reflects the Post-Impressionist movement, a period known for its bold and vivid representations that followed the Impressionist era. Classifiable under the genre painting category, this artwork depicts a scene of daily life with an intimate and perhaps a character-revealing perspective, common to Toulouse-Lautrec’s style.
The painting portrays two figures, situated in what appears to be a café or restaurant setting. A woman stands to the left, her attire suggesting she may be a waitress or attendant at the venue. Her stance exudes a casual yet attentive posture, angling her body towards the male figure seated at the table. The male, slightly downturned in countenance, wears a hat and sports a mustache, his gaze is directed downward at the table or perhaps at something just beyond it. A sense of weariness or contemplation can be inferred from his demeanor. The table hosts a few simple items: a bottle, a partially filled glass that might contain wine, a plate with a few remaining morsels, and a knife. The artwork captures a moment that speaks volumes about the social interactions and ambiance of late 19th-century Parisian life, enhanced by Toulouse-Lautrec’s characteristic swift brushwork and use of color that brings immediacy and texture to the scene.
