Miss May Belfort (Medium Plate)

"Miss May Belfort (Medium Plate)" by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in 1895, is a significant example of the artist's inventive approach to printmaking and his keen interest in documenting the performers of the Parisian fin de siècle. This unique impression, designated as the only state, utilizes a complex combination of crayon, brush, and spatter lithography, executed in a rich, dark olive green ink on wove paper.

The work is technically remarkable for its period, demonstrating Toulouse-Lautrec’s sophisticated understanding of the medium. The artist masterfully exploited the lithographic process, using crayon to define the structure of the sitter and the brush to create soft, atmospheric washes. The inclusion of the spatter technique, achieved by projecting fine drops of tusche onto the stone, creates a granular texture that softens the edges of the woman's figure and the surrounding shadows, lending the print depth and intimacy.

The subject, May Belfort, was an Irish singer famous in the Montmartre cabarets during the 1890s. Toulouse-Lautrec captures her distinctive stage persona, characterized by her youthful, almost childlike clothing, often featuring a large bow, and her recurring performance partner: a small black cat perched casually on her arm. This intimate portrayal contrasts with the artist's often-flamboyant color posters, highlighting his skill in capturing character through subtle line and shadow. This masterful print preserves a vital moment in the history of late 19th-century graphic arts and resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.