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May Belfort, 1895. Creator: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901)
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May Belfort, 1895. Creator: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901)
May Belfort, 1895. Like Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec was inspired by the cafeconcerts, popular places of entertainment that featured singers or other forms of vaudeville entertainers. In 1895 Lautrec visited the cafe-concert known as Les Decadents, where he encountered the Irish singer May Belfort who became one of the artists favorite models. Here, he depicted her on stage wearing one of her signature Kate Greenaway-style dresses with short puffed sleeves terminating in lace ruffles and a ruffled bonnet beneath which her hair escapes in a cascade of dark curls. Her appearance was intentionally babyish and the lisping voice in which she sang enhanced the illusion of extreme youth. She was said to have stood erect and motionless, as if carved out of wood, while the clients of Les Decadents shouted the choruses of her songs
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Media ID 19634529
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1864 1901 Henri De Toulouse Lautrec Henri De Toulouse Lautrec French
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This print captures May Belfort, the Irish singer who became a favorite model of renowned French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of cafe-concerts, Lautrec depicted Belfort on stage at Les Decadents in 1895. In this particular portrayal, Belfort dons one of her signature Kate Greenaway-style dresses. The dress features short puffed sleeves adorned with delicate lace ruffles and a ruffled bonnet that frames her face. Her dark curls cascade from beneath the bonnet, adding to her youthful appearance. Belfort intentionally cultivated an image of extreme youthfulness both in her attire and performance style. Standing erect and motionless like a wooden sculpture, she sang with a lisping voice that further enhanced this illusion. As she performed at Les Decadents, the audience enthusiastically joined in shouting the choruses of her songs. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's artistic talent shines through as he masterfully captures May Belfort's unique presence on stage. This 19th-century drawing showcases his ability to portray not only physical likeness but also the essence and personality of his subjects. Preserved by Heritage Art/Heritage Images and housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, this remarkable print allows us to glimpse into the world of vaudeville entertainment during an era when artists like Lautrec found inspiration in these lively venues.
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