The Dancer in Her Dressing Room 1885

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this painting with oil on board, and the loose and energetic brushwork speaks volumes about the cultural moment in which it was made. This is not the smooth, illusionistic painting of past eras, but something much more immediate. It's clear that the artist was less interested in creating a perfect likeness than in capturing the atmosphere of the dressing room itself. Note the way the visible strokes of paint build up the image, layer upon layer. The forms seem to emerge directly from the swirl of color. This approach reflects a shift in the art world, as artists like Toulouse-Lautrec began to prioritize personal expression and experience over traditional standards of beauty. This shift reflects changing social values, and the rise of a more individualistic and expressive culture. By paying close attention to the materiality of the paint, and the way it is applied, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the historical context of this work, and its place within the broader history of modern art.