Lugné Poë et Berthe Bady dans Au-dassus des Forces Humaines 1893 - 1894

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this lithograph depicting Lugné Poë and Berthe Bady in ‘Au-dessus des Forces Humaines’ during the vibrant Parisian art scene of the late 19th century. Toulouse-Lautrec was drawn to the energy of Montmartre and the theatre district, capturing the likenesses of performers and personalities of his time. This work offers a glimpse into the world of French theatre, yet the figures aren't idealized; instead, they're rendered with a stark realism that reflects Toulouse-Lautrec's own experience as an outsider due to his physical disabilities. The image captures the actors in a moment of dramatic intensity, drawing us into their performance and the emotions they convey. Toulouse-Lautrec often challenged traditional representations of women, portraying them as complex individuals rather than mere objects of beauty. Berthe Bady, here, exudes a strength and presence, challenging the male gaze. The lithograph captures a raw, unfiltered moment, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of identity, performance, and human connection in the context of fin-de-siècle Paris.