The artwork titled “The Tattooed Woman” is an oil on cardboard creation by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, executed in 1894. The piece exemplifies the Post-Impressionism movement and falls into the category of genre painting. Measuring 62.5 by 48 centimeters, the artwork forms part of a private collection.
The artwork portrays a woman with tattoos visible on her body, which was a subject of fascination and novelty in the context of the late 19th century. She appears to be gazing downward, suggesting a moment of introspection or distraction. The use of oil on cardboard allows for a textured, expressive depiction, with Toulouse-Lautrec’s brushstrokes giving life and movement to the fabric of the dress and the figures themselves. The woman’s attire and the setting suggest a backstage or intimate space, characteristic of Lautrec’s interest in the demimonde of Parisian nightlife. The presence of another figure, observing or assisting her, adds to the narrative quality of the scene, inviting speculation about the interpersonal dynamics at play. The color palette is rich yet somewhat muted, with earthy tones and highlights that draw attention to certain elements, such as the tattoo and the woman’s face. Overall, “The Tattooed Woman” is an evocative piece that captures a fleeting moment and the atmosphere of an era that was both fascinated and unsettled by the bohemian lifestyle that Toulouse-Lautrec so frequently depicted.
