?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 20,000 - $ 30,000
HENRI DE TOULOUSE-LAUTREC (1864-1901) MAY BELFORT. 1895. 30 1/2x24 inches, 77 1/2x61 cm. Kleinmann, Paris. Condition A: Mounted to linen and then mounted to board. Toned. Framed. May Belfort was an Irish performer who amused Lautrec with a singing act that went, "I've got a little cat, I'm very fond of that." The artist, who was known to suddenly go crazy for someone who amused or distracted him, was so delighted by this ridiculous act that he designed a poster for her. It is a sensitive piece that shows far more artistry than one would normally expect to see in a commercial assignment. He uses an oblique line to create the illusion of a stage, a flat red for her gown that catches the eye, and delicate paintbrush, crachis and pen work to help create a sensitive portrait. It is a delicate image that shows Lautrec at his best. Delteil 354 II, Adriani 126 IV, Wittrock P 14 B.
