Mademoiselle Nys
Original title: Mademoiselle Nys
kurzbeschreibung
In 1899, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painted the portrait “Fräulein Nys,” which captures a young woman in a wide-brimmed hat. Executed in oil on unprimed wood, the panel measures 27 x 21.9 cm. The impressionist brushwork, with clearly visible strokes, defines the small format.
Description
Slightly turned to the left, the woman appears with curly hair falling to her shoulders. A wide-brimmed hat, tied with a band around the forehead, along with a top with a collar and button placket, shape her appearance. Horizontal stripes in various tones, reminiscent of wallpaper, form the background. Brown and orange hues dominate, while frontal light emphasizes the contours of the figure.
Context
The portrait was made in 1899, when Toulouse-Lautrec increasingly engaged with women from the Parisian bohemian scene. It falls into his late period, by which time he was already known for his posters and paintings of nightlife. Who “Mademoiselle Nys” was remains uncertain—possibly an acquaintance or a model from his circle.
Impact
Warm colors and a soft application of paint create an intimate, almost tender mood. The simple layout brings the woman’s face and posture to the fore, resulting in a quiet presence.
Technique
Oil on unprimed wood—a method Toulouse-Lautrec occasionally chose for small studies. Because the surface has no primer, the brushstrokes stand out clearly, giving the panel an immediate, sketch-like quality.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)