Seated Woman from Behind – Study for ‘Au Moulin Rouge’ 1892

This sketch was made by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec as a study for his painting “Au Moulin Rouge”. Toulouse-Lautrec was a 19th-century French artist known for capturing the bohemian culture of Paris, particularly the Moulin Rouge cabaret. In this sketch, we see a woman from behind, her face hidden, yet her presence is palpable. Toulouse-Lautrec often depicted women who were performers, prostitutes, and working-class individuals. He moved in circles that included those living on the margins of society, and he often captured their likenesses in his works. His art gave visibility to individuals often ignored or stigmatized. Toulouse-Lautrec seemed to respect the humanity of his subjects, avoiding overt sentimentality or judgement. The artist himself was no stranger to being an outsider. Due to a genetic condition, he was short in stature and faced physical challenges throughout his life. This sketch invites us to consider the perspectives and experiences of women who navigated the vibrant yet often harsh world of Montmartre. Their stories are etched in the lines and colors of this study, waiting to be discovered.