Jane Avril

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's Jane Avril, painted in 1892, exemplifies the artist's dedication to documenting the rapid changes in French society during the 1876 to 1900 period. Executed in oil on cardboard mounted on wood, the work is technically classified as a drawing due to its speed and approach, but the choice of medium underscores the immediacy and informality that characterized Post-Impressionist techniques, allowing for swift, expressive execution. The piece features Jane Avril (1868-1943), the celebrated cabaret dancer whose public identity was inextricably linked to the burgeoning nightlife of Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge.

As a key figure in the bohemian Parisian scene, Avril served as one of Toulouse-Lautrec’s most frequent muses, and the artist was responsible for designing many of her most recognizable public posters, notably his famous lithographs and prints. Unlike formalized portraiture, this work captures the subject with characteristic directness, reflecting Toulouse-Lautrec’s observational genius for recording contemporary life rather than idealizing it. His distinctive style, utilizing compressed space and sharp outlines, transforms the dancer from a mere performer into an emblem of modern cultural shift. This approach solidified the artist's reputation as the visual chronicler of the French fin de siècle era.

Today, this important piece is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Given the historical significance of the work and its documentation of one of France's most pivotal artistic epochs, images of Jane Avril are widely accessible. The age and renown of the artist mean that high-resolution reproductions and prints are frequently available for public domain use, ensuring the lasting influence of Toulouse-Lautrec's vision.