“The Singing Lesson. (The Teacher, Mlle.Dihau, with Mme.Faveraud)” is an artwork by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec dating back to 1898. This oil on cardboard genre painting embodies the Post-Impressionist movement and measures 75.7 x 69 cm. Presently, the artwork is housed in the Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum in Cairo, Egypt.
The artwork captures an intimate scene within an interior setting. Two figures are positioned to engage the viewer differently; one is seated, playing the piano, while the other stands beside her, presumably singing or instructing. The seated figure, Mlle. Dihau, is deeply focused on the piano, her profile turned away from the viewer, while the standing figure, Mme. Faveraud, appears more engaged with the audience, with her gaze directed outward as if she is overseeing or listening intently. The composition is alive with vibrant strokes and rich, warm hues, reminiscent of the Post-Impressionist approach, where emotions and impressions are conveyed through vigorous brushwork and color. Shades of red, suggestive of the room’s decor, create a sense of coziness and artistic vitality that encapsulate the moment of musical education and collaboration. Toulouse-Lautrec’s skillful use of color and form conjures a snapshot of Parisian cultural life at the close of the 19th century.
