Miss May Milton, from Le Rire 1895

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sketched ‘Miss May Milton’ for the French periodical, Le Rire, in 1895. This lithograph captures the popular English cabaret performer in mid-dance, offering us insight into the vibrant, yet socially stratified, Parisian nightlife of the Belle Époque. The image creates meaning through the visual codes of the music hall. Consider the exaggerated costume, the dancer’s dynamic pose, and the stylized signature of Lautrec, all of which evoke the energetic atmosphere of Montmartre. Le Rire, meaning ‘laughter’ in French, served as an important platform for artists who sought to challenge the conservative artistic establishment and comment on the social structures of their time. Further research into periodicals like Le Rire, in addition to theater programs and social commentaries, can provide a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, entertainment, and society in late 19th-century France. By exploring these resources, we can appreciate how artists used their work to reflect, critique, and ultimately shape the cultural landscape of their era.