May Milton

May Milton, executed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec French, 1864-1901 in 1895, is a compelling example of the artist's characteristic focus on the entertainers and demi-monde of Belle Époque Paris. Classified as a drawing, this intimate work captures the fleeting energy of the Parisian theater world where Toulouse-Lautrec was a ubiquitous presence. The subject, May Milton, was an English dancer and chanteuse known for her appearances in the lively cabarets of Montmartre, such as the Moulin Rouge. This piece offers a direct, often sympathetic, view into the vibrant, rapidly changing culture of 19th-century France.

The work is executed in oil and pastel on cardboard, a composite medium favored by Lautrec for its immediacy and expressive potential. The combination allows the artist to achieve a swift, almost graphic quality, blending the richness of painting with the textural sensitivity of drawing. Toulouse-Lautrec’s technique consciously eschews traditional academic finish in favor of sharp lines, flat planes of color, and dynamic composition, reflecting his deep engagement with commercial poster design and the aesthetic influences of japonisme. This approach emphasizes the performer’s character and gesture over realistic detail, a defining feature of Post-Impressionist art.

As one of the most significant visual chroniclers of his era, Toulouse-Lautrec's studies of performers like Milton hold enduring historical and artistic value. The artwork currently resides in the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key representation of the artist's late career output. Reflecting the museum’s commitment to accessibility, many images derived from the original artwork, including high-quality public domain prints, are widely available for global study and appreciation.