In the Wings at the Folies Berg re 1896

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec rendered "In the Wings at the Folies Bergère" with ink on paper, capturing a fleeting moment backstage. Here, the woman’s stockinged legs are reminiscent of the theatrical Commedia dell'arte figures, like Harlequin, whose costumes also featured bold, patterned tights, a symbol of wit and agility. But consider the horse—a creature often associated with virility and freedom. Here, it is relegated to the background, partially obscured, perhaps symbolizing suppressed desires or energies within the bustling, artificial environment of the Folies Bergère. This motif echoes in later works, where animals, especially horses, appear to represent the untamed aspects of human nature, a theme explored by artists from Géricault to Picasso. Note how Lautrec captures a sense of detachment and voyeurism with the gentleman and the horse turned away, underscoring the psychological distance between the performers and their audience. The horse in particular, feels as though it is watching on in disbelief and disgust. These symbols resonate beyond the canvas, inviting a deep, subconscious connection to primal human drives and societal constraints.