Elles, Woman In A Corset 1896

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec created this print as part of his series "Elles," focusing on women in Parisian brothels. This image offers a glimpse into the private world of these women in 19th-century France. By depicting the woman in her corset, Lautrec invites us to consider the performative aspects of their profession, as well as the physical constraints imposed on their bodies. It's a subtle comment on the social structures of his time, subtly progressive in its focus on the lives of those often marginalized. Institutions like the brothel and the fashion industry shaped the lives of these women. As historians, we look to documents, photographs, and other cultural artifacts to better understand the lives represented. Art like this serves as an important means to examine the complex social and institutional contexts in which it was made.