Mademoiselle Marthe Mellot dans La Gitane 

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this sketch of Mademoiselle Marthe Mellot in La Gitane. It would have been made in France, likely during the late 19th century when Lautrec was active in the Parisian art scene. The sketch appears to depict the actress, Marthe Mellot, playing the role of a gypsy in a play, hinting at the popularity of exotic or romantic themes in entertainment and art at that time. The quick, informal nature of the drawing suggests it might have been a preparatory study or a spontaneous impression captured backstage or during rehearsals. Lautrec was known for his depictions of performers and nightlife in Montmartre. His work often blurred the lines between the high society and the demimonde. To understand the sketch more fully, we could delve into the theatrical productions of the time, the cultural fascination with gypsy figures, and Lautrec's broader engagement with the performing arts. Such research provides a crucial context to the art, allowing it to be understood as a product of its time.