The artwork titled “Woman in a Black Hat, Berthe la Sourde” is an oil on board painting created by the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1890. This piece is emblematic of the Post-Impressionism movement and is classified as a portrait. Currently, it is held within a private collection.
The artwork captures the figure of a woman dressed in a black ensemble, characterized by a high-necked blouse and adorned with a hat that demands attention in both its size and form. Her face, the focal point of the portrait, is rendered with a sensitive attention to detail, revealing not only her features but also a certain depth of character. Deft brushstrokes and the strategic use of color convey the texture of her attire and the soft translucence of her skin. The background, while more abstract in composition, suggests an interior setting with hints of furniture and perhaps a semblance of natural light. Toulouse-Lautrec’s masterful use of light and shadow plays across the figure and her surroundings, creating a sense of dimensionality and presence. The artist’s signature, at once unobtrusive yet discernible, adds a finishing touch to the lower right corner of the painting, anchoring the work in its historical and cultural context.
