The artwork entitled “Woman with a Black Boa” was crafted by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the year 1892. Executed using oil on cardboard, this piece epitomizes the Post-Impressionist movement of the late 19th century. The portrait measures 60.96 cm by 91.44 cm. It currently resides in the Musée d’Orsay, situated in Paris, France.
The artwork portrays a woman gazing slightly off to the side with an expression that conveys a contemplative or perhaps introspective mood. The use of quick, gestural brushstrokes imparts a sense of immediacy and movement, which are characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s style and the broader Post-Impressionist approach that sought to infuse emotion and personal interpretation into their works. The black boa envelops the subject, contrasting the soft, lighter tones of her face and hands. The raw cardboard background, with its earthy hue, allows the subject to emerge, enhancing the vibrancy of the colors used in the portrait. Though the painting may seem unfinished by classical standards, the visible sketch-like lines and raw background are indicative of the experimental nature of the Post-Impressionist movement, which celebrated such departures from conventional refinement in favor of energetic and expressive renderings.
