Feb 20 at 10:30 AM - Sale 2695 -

Sale 2695 - Lot 57

Estimate: $ 4,000 - $ 6,000

HENRI DE TOULOUSE-LAUTREC (1864-1901)

MAY BELFORT. 1895.

30½x23¾ inches, 77½x60¼ cm. Kleinmann, Paris.
Condition B+ / B: replaced losses and overpainting in margins; repaired tears, creases and restoration in margins and image. 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.
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