At the Cafe The Customer and the Anemic Cashier 1898

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painted this image of two figures at a cafe with oil on cardboard. The scene offers an intimate view into Parisian nightlife during the Belle Époque, a period marked by optimism and artistic innovation. Consider how the composition draws attention to the figures' social roles. The corpulent customer, with his ruddy complexion, stands in stark contrast to the pale, almost ghostly cashier. Note the visual codes of class and gender. Toulouse-Lautrec depicts the customer with a sense of entitlement and indulgence. While the cashier, possibly a working-class woman, appears withdrawn and almost transparent. This was France in the late 19th century, and the rise of consumer culture and entertainment venues created new kinds of social interactions, reflecting changing class dynamics and the role of women in public spaces. To better understand this painting, one might consult sources like contemporary newspapers, sociological studies of Parisian life, or even the records of Montmartre’s entertainment industry. Only then can we interpret the social meanings embedded in this compelling image.