At the Circus: The Spanish Walk (Au Cirque: Le Pas espagnol)

At the Circus: The Spanish Walk (Au Cirque: Le Pas espagnol), created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1899, is a sophisticated drawing utilizing graphite, black and colored pastel, and charcoal on off-white heavy wove paper. Executed late in the artist’s life, this work captures the dramatic energy inherent in the Parisian circus environment, a setting which Toulouse-Lautrec frequently documented.

Toulouse-Lautrec was deeply fascinated by the spectacle and controlled chaos of the circus, finding in its choreographed performance a unique mirror to modern public life. This specific scene depicts the dramatic Le Pas espagnol, or the Spanish walk, a highly controlled and stylized equestrian maneuver. The composition focuses on the powerful horse and the central male rider, capturing the tension and grace inherent in the act with rapid, assured strokes. The artist employed charcoal and graphite to establish the structural foundation of the figures and animals, enhancing key elements with black and colored pastel to suggest movement, costume, and the strong stage lighting typical of the ring.

This piece belongs to a series of circus drawings produced by Toulouse-Lautrec during a period of recovery, which showcase his masterful ability to render men and horses dynamically and with great psychological insight. The combination of media allows for both the precision of the line and the evocative richness of color. This drawing is classified within the museum’s collection as a major example of the artist's graphic achievements. Since its creation, this work and many comparable pieces by the artist have entered the public domain, enabling widespread access to high-quality prints. The original physical drawing, At the Circus: The Spanish Walk, is a prominent holding in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.