Created:
Movement:
1891
Post-Impressionism
key Notes:
Bohemian Paris, Expressionistic Portraiture
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Dimensions:
25 1/2 x 21 in. (64.8 x 53.3 cm)
medium:
Oil on cardboard
story of the work:

"The Streetwalker" is a painting by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created around 1890–91. The work depicts a solitary woman, likely a prostitute, standing on a street corner, embodying the themes of urban life and social marginalization prevalent in Lautrec's oeuvre. The artist's interest in the nightlife of Paris and its inhabitants is evident in this piece, reflecting his focus on the city's bohemian culture. The painting is characterized by its bold colors and expressive brushwork, typical of Lautrec's style. It is part of a broader exploration of the human condition and the complexities of modernity during the late 19th century. The current location of the painting is unknown, but it is recognized as an important work within Lautrec's body of art.

Description of the work:

"The Streetwalker" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created circa 1890–91, is an oil painting on cardboard that captures the essence of Parisian nightlife. The composition features a solitary female figure, depicted in a standing pose, characterized by her elongated form and striking posture. The use of bold, expressive brushstrokes conveys a sense of movement and immediacy, while the color palette predominantly consists of deep reds, blacks, and muted earth tones, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere. The figure's attire, a revealing dress, reflects the fashion of the time and underscores her role within the urban landscape. The background is rendered with loose, gestural strokes, suggesting the bustling environment of the street without detailed representation. The overall effect of the painting evokes themes of isolation and the complexities of urban life, typical of Toulouse-Lautrec's exploration of the margins of society.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Streetwalker