The artwork in reference is a poster created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a noted figure in the Art Nouveau movement, which was known for its modern aesthetic that departed from traditional artistic sensibilities. Notably, the genre of this piece is that of a poster, a medium which Toulouse-Lautrec excelled at and used to capture the vibrant nightlife and exaggerated characters of Parisian society. Currently, the artwork resides within a private collection.
Regarding the artwork itself, it features the distinctive style of Toulouse-Lautrec with bold outlines, a limited yet vivid color palette, and stylized lettering that was common in the Art Nouveau era. The poster shows a figure from behind, draped in a blue cloak, and adorned with a strikingly orange and white accessory that resembles a hat or a headpiece. To the side, a top hat rests elegantly, suggesting a sophisticated or evening setting. The text on the poster reads “ELLES,” indicating a subject of femininity, which could allude to a performance, exhibition, or a series of works centered around women. The artwork encapsulates Toulouse-Lautrec’s fascination with the themes of theatricality and femininity, marrying art with advertisement in a way that was revolutionary at the time.
