The artwork entitled “The Woman in Bed, Profile, Getting Up” is a genre painting created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. This piece is recognized as a part of the Art Nouveau movement, which is often associated with the Modern period in art history. Currently, the artwork is housed within a private collection. The concentration on the daily life and intimate settings are characteristic elements present in genre paintings such as this one.
The artwork portrays a scene of intimate daily life; it depicts two figures within an interior setting. On the left side of the composition, a woman is seen partially covered by sheets, sitting up in bed. She appears to be in a state of transition from sleep to wakefulness, evoked by her posture and the fluidity of the lines representing the bedclothes. Her gaze is fixed to her right, potentially on the other figure present in the artwork.
The second figure, depicted on the right side of the piece, is shown standing and is sketched in a way that suggests she has just risen from the bed. The shapes and lines representing her body are more defined than those of the seated woman, hinting at her more active state. Her form is enveloped by a white wrap or garment that contrasts with the warm tones in the background, highlighting her silhouette.
The background itself is designed with swirling, flame-like motifs that offer a dynamic and somewhat whimsical atmosphere to the overall composition. The color scheme is limited but effectively used to create depth and focus within the piece, with the use of warmer hues behind the standing figure drawing the viewer’s eye towards her.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s use of line and color in this artwork is indicative of his style within the Art Nouveau movement, which favored a decorative and elegant approach to modern subjects. The artwork speaks to the mundane yet personal aspect of human life, delivered through the lens of the artist’s distinct visual language.
