In bed 1893

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captured this tender moment in his painting, "In Bed," sometime before his death in 1901. Toulouse-Lautrec, who often depicted the demimonde of Paris, here presents us with a rare glimpse of intimacy between two women. Painted during a period of increasing tolerance and visibility for same-sex relationships in Parisian society, this work contrasts sharply with the often sensationalized or moralizing representations of women found elsewhere in art. The softness of the colors, the tousled bedsheets, and the peaceful expressions on the women’s faces evoke a sense of quiet domesticity. Unlike the male gaze which dominated art at the time, Toulouse-Lautrec offers a view of women from a perspective of familiarity and acceptance. He focuses not on idealizing their beauty, but on capturing a moment of shared vulnerability. "In Bed" invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of human relationships and challenges traditional notions about gender, sexuality, and representation in art. The painting allows for a deeply personal connection, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of intimacy and belonging.