La Macarona in the Costume of a Jockey

La Macarona in the Costume of a Jockey by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864-1901) is a compelling example of the artist’s dedication to capturing the vibrant and sometimes unconventional life of late 19th and early 20th-century Paris. Executed between 1893 and 1901, the painting showcases Lautrec’s innovative approach to medium and support. The work was created using oil paint and watercolor applied over a preliminary charcoal drawing, set upon a foundation of tan wove tracing paper. This fragile support was subsequently laid down on cream woodpulp card for stability, highlighting the artist’s practice of elevating quick sketches and studies to the status of finished pieces.

The subject, La Macarona, is depicted in the unexpected, and perhaps ironic, attire of a jockey, reflecting Lautrec’s consistent fascination with unconventional portraits and the dynamic performance culture prominent in France during this era. Lautrec captured figures from the demimonde and celebrity scene with equal penetration, employing thin, sweeping washes of color that contrast sharply with the definitive charcoal outlines. This mixed-media technique allows the inherent texture and tone of the tan paper base to function as a crucial middle tone, lending the entire composition an energetic and immediate atmosphere.

Toulouse-Lautrec’s influential body of work is renowned for its insightful documentation of modern social life and his pioneering use of dynamic line and color. This unique piece resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, illustrating the museum’s significant holdings of Post-Impressionist masters. As a key painting created by 1864-1901, it remains an important resource for scholars examining the development of artistic style in France. High-resolution images of such masterpieces are frequently made available through public domain initiatives for educational use and the creation of fine art prints.