Subra of the Opera? (Subra, de l'opéra?) 1896

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sketched this image of an opera singer, probably in the 1890s, using graphite on paper. Considered through the lens of social history, this drawing opens up intriguing avenues of inquiry. Toulouse-Lautrec was an insider in the Parisian demimonde, and his art often blurs the lines between high society and the entertainment industry. This raises questions about the public role of performers, the politics of representation, and the social conditions that enable artistic production. Toulouse-Lautrec was known for his depictions of dancers, prostitutes, and other figures on the margins of society. By immortalizing these individuals in his art, Toulouse-Lautrec challenged the prevailing social norms and hierarchies of his time. To understand his work more deeply, we can consult historical archives, theatrical records, and biographical sources to illuminate the cultural landscape in which he operated.