Bust of Mlle. Marcelle Lender, Turned Three Quarters (Mlle. Marcelle Lender en buste, de trois quartes) 1898

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sketched this bust of Marcelle Lender with sanguine pencil, capturing the essence of her theatrical allure. The composition is dominated by the hat with feathers, a symbol laden with cultural weight. Consider how feathers have been perceived across cultures. In ancient Egypt, they were associated with Ma'at, the embodiment of truth and cosmic order, often depicted with an ostrich feather atop her head. This symbolism resonates with ideas of divine judgment. Yet, in other contexts, feathers became emblems of vanity and fleeting beauty. The hat in this drawing evokes the Belle Époque, when fashion became a means to express personality, hinting at the evolving nature of symbols and their capacity to reflect the changing values of a society. The drawing engages us on a visceral level, inviting contemplation on the fluid and cyclical nature of symbols and their enduring impact on our collective consciousness.