La Goulue at the Moulin Rouge by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1891, is an iconic study of Parisian nightlife and performance art. Executed in oil on board, this work captures the raw energy and social dynamics of the famed Montmartre cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, focusing specifically on its star dancer, Louise Weber, known professionally as La Goulue ("The Glutton"). Toulouse-Lautrec was deeply immersed in the fin-de-siècle French entertainment scene, and this painting belongs squarely within the intensive period of 1891–92 when he was most active in documenting its figures.
The medium of oil on board facilitates the broad, swift application of color characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s observational style, often blurring the lines between a rapid preparatory sketch and a finished piece. The composition emphasizes La Goulue’s bold, uninhibited performance style, often featuring the distinctive high kick and provocative posture that helped define the evolving can-can. Classified historically as a form of ephemera by the artist, the piece functions as a direct cultural record, capturing the fleeting moments of celebrity and spectacle inherent in late nineteenth-century Paris. This approach distinguishes the work from formal portraiture, prioritizing the atmosphere and movement of the venue.
As a definitive chronicler of modern urban life, Toulouse-Lautrec established a profound visual record for performers and marginalized figures who might otherwise have been forgotten by history. This painting exemplifies the artist's ability to merge trenchant social commentary with immediate artistic flair. Today, La Goulue at the Moulin Rouge is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it serves as a central example of Post-Impressionist engagement with popular culture. The lasting cultural impact of the artist’s graphic oeuvre has ensured that his works from this period, including many famous Moulin Rouge prints, are widely distributed and increasingly accessible in the public domain.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.