At the Circus Dressage 1899

"At the Circus Dressage" is a striking 1899 drawing by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec that captures the energy and drama of a horse and rider performing dressage in a circus ring. The artist, known for his depictions of Parisian nightlife, utilized bold lines and expressive brushstrokes to depict the horse bowing low as the rider sits poised atop its back. The composition focuses on the action within the ring, while the spectators in the background are less detailed, drawing the viewer’s eye to the dynamic duo in the center of the performance. This work is characteristic of Lautrec’s fascination with the Parisian social scene, particularly the entertainment world.