The artwork, “Portrait of Countess A. de Toulouse Lautrec,” is an oil on canvas painting created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec circa 1886. As an exemplar of the Post-Impressionist movement, this piece measures 59 by 54 centimeters. It is a portrait genre piece that is housed in the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, France.
The artwork presents a seated female figure, presumably the Countess A. de Toulouse Lautrec herself, captured in a reflective pose. She appears to be sitting in an upholstered armchair, with her profile dominating the composition. The Countess’s attire is elegant and somber, consisting of a dark dress that envelops her form. Her hair is arranged in an updo, indicative of the period’s fashion sensibilities.
The background suggests an opulent interior space, with a hint of a window or glass pane allowing light to subtly streak through verdant foliage, imbuing the scene with a sense of depth and natural illumination. The brushwork is characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s style, where swift, visible strokes create a texture that vibrates with an internal energy while also articulating the forms within the space.
Despite the potential for grandeur implied by her title, the Countess’s expression is contemplative and serene, avoiding ostentation. Overall, the artwork conveys a moment of introspection, captured with the dynamic and emotive qualities that define Post-Impressionist work.
