Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Le Rat Mort (yes, it's The Dead Rat in English), a café/restaurant located in the Montmartre area of Paris, was a popular haunt for Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec during his later years. The artist loved to depict Parisian bars and nightclubs and its nighthawks. The elegantly attired woman depicted here is believed to be Lucy Jourdain, a high-class prostitute. Her laughter and the hazy look in her eyes, illuminated by the artificial lighting, hint at the influence of the champagne set before her. We cannot identify her escort as the picture frame has cut through his face. The painting's expressive brushstrokes, combined with a striking color scheme of intense reds and greens and the surreal glow of the lamp light, vividly evoke the decadent allure of Montmartre's nocturnal scene.
Have a great Saturday, everyone!
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