May Belfort, Title page for 'Treize Lithographies'
Original title: May Belfort, Title page for "Treize Lithographies"
kurzbeschreibung
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this lithograph in 1898 for the portfolio 'Treize Lithographies', showing the singer May Belfort in a dancing pose. Printed with crayon on china paper, the sheet was then pasted onto a green linen cover. The portfolio was issued by Gustave Pellet, though publication came only after 1901.
Description
A woman with long, wavy hair that sweeps upward and to the side. Her hands are raised, as if in a dramatic or dancing gesture. The background stays plain but is given structure by lines suggesting a pattern. She wears a dress with a striking lace-trimmed collar. Along the bottom edge, in simple handwritten script, appear the words: 'TREIZE LITHOGRAPHIES par H. de Toulouse-Lautrec'.
Context
May Belfort, an Irish singer, performed in Parisian cabarets such as the 'Divan Japonais', often appearing in children's clothing with lace collars. Toulouse-Lautrec portrayed her several times, including on posters and in prints. The portfolio 'Treize Lithographies' was issued in 1898 by the publisher Gustave Pellet, but only released after 1901.
Impact
From the first glance, the dynamic pose of the sitter captivates, underscored by elegant linework that radiates movement and liveliness. The restriction to greys and the simple background structure direct attention to the figure and her ornamental collar. The viewer follows the sweep of the arms and the falling hair, while the reduced colour creates a concentrated, almost graphic effect.
Technique
Executed as a crayon lithograph on china paper, a thin, high-quality support for fine prints. The printed china paper was mounted onto a green linen cover — a common presentation format for print portfolios at the time. The technique allowed nuanced reproduction of the crayon strokes and gave the sheet a distinctive texture.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)