Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, "A Corner in Moulin de la Galette"
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This week let us look at an artist who lived a very short life, but has been on the forefront of art history for a long time. When I think of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901), I think of an artist, with Vincent Van Gogh, who was enough of an unusual person, that somehow their collected image came to illustrate the stereotype of the artist. Toulouse-Lautrec was an outsider who because of physical abnormalities never fit in with other persons of his class, and so, he found comradeship in the dance halls and brothels of Paris. Much has been written about his short life, for he was a dedicated artist, creating a huge number of paintings, drawings, and posters. His mother was a large influence providing him with a living long before his art began to sell. Eventually, it was income off posters that gave him money of his own.
Our painting this week is a typical one for him. We see a group of people, mostly women. Other than the two seated, we have no knowledge of what is happening. People seem to be looking in different directions, and no one seems to be enjoying themselves! No similes, only customers going about their business, almost as if they are isolated from each other, in a crowd, but alone.
Toulouse-Lautrec's art was like an observer of life. He recorded, almost like from a distance, not as a participant. He gave dignity to his characters, and was always impartial.
He loved a line. My guess is that when he sat there, he began with strong quick line drawings. Getting down the first, quick impression before the scene changed. Then taking the work back to the studio completed the whole composition. Look close and you can see those lines.
The composition is interesting. Note that all the faces are in the top third, creating an interesting curve moving from one to the next. And, of those, four are so perfectly drawn, they could be identified, given names. The white table top and the curve of the end of the blue skirt is extremely important.
"A Corner in Moulin de la Galette" was done in 1892. It is an oil on cardboard measuring, unframed, 39 3/8 inches by 35 inches. It is part of the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.
When I see the work of Toulouse-Latrec, I always imagine seeing this small, unusual person working on the painting that Iam observing. I'm sure he had to look for the right vantage point. Yes, these people do not look happy, but neither do they look unhappy. What event are they attending or what are they waiting for?? Two tables are our only clues. The black in the center commands our attention, but all the colors are heavy and bold. I notice he has outlined some heads and clothing. He handles fabric skillfully in all his paintings. Knowing the locations that he chooses to paint, always adds a little intrigue. He must be ignored by these attendee's. No one looks toward him!! No provocative dresses here!!
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