Miss May Belfort welcoming 1895

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sketched "Miss May Belfort welcoming" sometime in the 1890s, capturing a performer who was part of the fin-de-siècle Parisian cabaret scene. With a few strokes of ink, Lautrec immortalizes Belfort's unique stage persona; the slight smirk, the odd costume and the strange fetishistic symbol of the black cat. In a society bound by strict social norms, the cabaret became a haven for the unconventional, and Belfort became one of its stars by performing provocative acts. Her performances often toyed with the audience's expectations. The drawing also highlights the institution of celebrity, and the way that popular performers were viewed in society. Through the lens of historical analysis, we can better understand the cultural significance of Lautrec's work, by consulting contemporary reviews and illustrations. With this kind of insight, we can appreciate art as a social mirror, reflecting and challenging the norms of its time.