VIII. Saluant le Public 1898

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sketched “VIII. Saluant le Public” using crayon, capturing a performer acknowledging her audience. This simple gesture of raising an arm extends beyond the Parisian stage, resonating with the ancient motif of the "ad locutio," found in Roman art. Emperors would raise an arm to address their troops, signaling authority and connection. The raised arm in Lautrec's sketch connects us to something more, to humanity’s collective memory. Even in the subtle curve of her hand, we discern echoes of classical oratory and imperial command. This drawing, with its simple yet powerful gesture, reminds us that symbols are never static; they evolve, reappear, and transform, shaped by the currents of history and the depths of human emotion.