Elles: The Toilet 1896

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec created "The Toilet" as part of his "Elles" series, exploring the lives of women in Parisian brothels. These lithographs offer a unique perspective, diverging from typical objectifications of women common in art. Instead, Lautrec captures moments of intimacy and introspection, revealing the everyday routines of these women. Here, we see a woman, back turned, washing herself, in a moment of private reflection. Lautrec’s empathetic approach challenges societal norms by representing these women not merely as sexual objects, but as individuals with their own stories. The vulnerability captured in this piece invites us to consider the complexities of identity, labor, and the human condition within the context of 19th-century Parisian nightlife.