The Clown Cha-U-Kao 1895

"The Clown Cha-U-Kao" (1895) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a striking portrait of a female clown in a striking yellow costume. The artist's iconic, bold use of color and exaggerated features create a sense of both beauty and pathos. The depiction of the clown, seen from the back, emphasizes her isolation and vulnerability, a recurring theme in Lautrec's works. The painting captures the essence of the Parisian entertainment scene, with its vibrant characters and fleeting moments.