The artwork “Woman Lying on Her Back, Both Arms Raised” is a creation of renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec dating back to approximately 1894 – 1895. Executed using the medium of oil on cardboard, the piece measures 47.2 x 47.2 cm and exemplifies the Art Nouveau (Modern) and Post-Impressionism art movements. Classified as a sketch and study, the painting resides in the Musee Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, France.
The artwork captures the essence of a woman reclined in a position of repose or abandon, her arms lifted upwards, framing her head. The figure’s pose is relaxed and unguarded, conveying a sense of intimacy and private contemplation. Toulouse-Lautrec’s signature, loose brushwork is evident, emphasizing the spontaneity of the moment rather than the detailed realism of the subject. The use of oil on the cardboard substrate allows for the richness of color and texture that brings out the contours and flesh tones with a deft precision, despite the seemingly hasty execution. The tawny backdrop functions as both a neutral space and a stark contrast that accentuates the figure’s form and the flowing lines of her attire. The artwork is indicative of Toulouse-Lautrec’s fascination with capturing the human form in various states of candidness and his ability to distill the essence of a subject with minimal strokes.
