Style Imitating Art…
Welcome to Style Imitating Art which comes from Salazar, Shelbee, and me. You can think of this series as fashion meets art museum! SIA challenges people to find inspiration in different art works, create looks based upon that art work, and share them with the curator for that piece. I am this week’s curator with a rather strange piece of art. I hope you enjoy this post, the information, and my interpretation.
How it works…
Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration piece of art and posts the image on their blog. We then invite others to interpret that art work through their style. The following Monday, we share our outfits. The curator shares submissions the following Wednesday on her blog. I chose this week’s art work for this round of Style Imitating Art. If you’d like, you can read why I chose it here. Please send your photo to me by Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 by 10 pm EST. Style Imitating Art is an interesting way to inspire your outfits. You can see a few of my looks here, here, and here, and here.
About the artist…
Comte Henri Marie-Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa was a member of the aristocracy of France. I had no idea! He was born at the Château du Bosc, Camjac, Aveyron, in the south of France on November 24, 1864. He was the first born son of Count Alphonse de Toulouse-Lautrec Monfa and Adele Zoë Tapié de Celeyran. He had a younger brother who died within a year of his (the brother’s) birth. His title, Comte, was a courtesy title unless he had outlived his father in which case he would have inherited the family title of Comte de Toulouse-Lautrec. Toulouse-Lautrec’s parents separated after his brother’s death, leaving him in a nanny’s care. When he was eight, the young Henri moved to Paris to live with his mother. While there, he drew sketches and caricatures in his workbooks. One of his father’s friends, René Princeteau, would visit and give the young boy informal lessons. Since Princeteau liked drawing horses, the young artist drew them, too. Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Circus Paintings” often featured horses.
A little more…
Toulouse-Lautrec was a painter, printmaker, draughtsman, caricaturist, and illustrator. He is probably best known for immersing himself fully into the theatrical life of Paris in the late 19th century and then painting it. This enabled him to produce “enticing, elegant, and provocative images of the sometimes decadent affairs of those times.” Although his career lasted less than 20 years, Toulouse-Lautrec created 737 paintings on canvas, 275 watercolors, 363 prints and posters, 5,084 drawings, some ceramic and stained glass work, and an unknown number of lost works (source).
Still more…
Toulouse-Lautrec’s parents were first cousins, and it is thought his congenital health conditions were due to a family history of inbreeding. In 1875, he returned to Albi where he took thermal baths. His mother consulted doctors trying to improve his growth and development. When he was 13, Toulouse-Lautrec fractured his right femur and fractured his left one when he was 14. Neither break healed correctly. Today, physicians suspect he suffered from an unknown genetic disorder, possibly pycnodysostosis (sometimes called Toulouse-Lautrec Syndrome). Other causes might have been osteopetrosis, achondroplasia, or osteogenesis imperfecta. His legs ceased to grown when he reached five feet tall, but his torso developed to that of an adult. As can be imagined, many made fun of Toulouse-Lautrec for his abnormally short legs. Some of his biographers attribute his alcoholism as a way of escaping that ridicule.
A move to Paris…
Remember Princeteau, his early instructor? He persuaded Toulouse-Lautrec’s parents to let him move to Paris and study under Léon Bonnat, a portrait painter. So, in 1882, he returned to Paris. Part of this was probably due to his mother’s ambitions…she wanted her son to become a fashionable and respected painter. She used the family’s influence to get him into Bonnat’s studio. Eventually, the young painter was drawn to Montmartre, a bohemian haunt of artists, writers, and philosophers. Montmartre became his home as he rarely left it over the next 20 years. Within a bit, though, Bonnat took a different position so Toulouse-Lautrec moved to the studio of Fernand Cormon and studied for another five years. During that time, he developed friendships with a group of people, friendships that lasted for the rest of his life. He met Émile Bernard and Vincent van Gogh. Pupils of Cormon often roamed the streets of Paris, looking for subjects to paint. It was during this time, Toulouse-Lautrec met and…ahem…took advantage of the service of a prostitute. This, in turn, led to his first painting of a prostitute in Montmartre.
And, more..
He began to exhibit his work at Aristide Bruant’s cabarets. Bruant, himself, was the subject of some of Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters…he’s the guy in the long red scarf. After finishing his studies, the artist participated in an exhibition in 1887. He used the pseudonym, “Tréclau” which is the verlan variation of the name Lautrec. Verlan is kinda like slang. You switch syllables around. Its purpose is to create a secret language. I’m not exactly sure why he would have done this as his mother wanted him to be recognized and successful. By 1888, critics were taking notice of the young artist. Octave Maus, a Belgian critic, invited Lautrec (as he was now calling himself) to display eleven pieces at the Vingt exhibition in Brussels in February. From 1889 to 1894, Lautrec regularly took part in the Salon des Indépendants (Society of Independent Artists). He included landscapes of Montmarte as well as a series of en plein air paintings of Carmen Gaudin, perhaps his favorite model, known for her red hair. Lautrec also produced several illustration for Le Rire, a magazine in France in the mid-1890s.
A bit more…
It is fairly well known that Toulouse-Lautrec visited prostitutes. Sometimes, it was for exactly what you think, and other times, it was for inspiration and painting. Their way of living fascinated him. He once said,
“A model is always a stuffed doll, but these women are alive. I wouldn’t venture to pay them the hundred sous to sit for me, and God knows whether they would be worth it. They stretch out on the sofas like animals, make no demand and they are not in the least bit conceited.” He was well appreciated by the women, saying, “I have found girls of my own size! Nowhere else do I feel so much at home.”
Édouard Vuillard, a friend and fellow painter, chalked this up to “moral reasons…Lautrec was too proud to submit to his lot, as a physical freak, an aristocrat cut off from his kind by his grotesque appearance. He found an affinity between his condition and the moral penury of the prostitute.”
Moulin Rouge…
When the famous cabaret opened in 1889, Lautrec was commissioned to produce a series of posters. Although he had a regular income from his family, these posters gave him the chance to make a living on his own. While other artists considered themselves too good for such work, Lautrec reveled in it! He had a seat reserved at the cabaret where his paintings were displayed. He painted the singer, Yvette Guilbert, the dancer, Louise Weber (better known as La Goulue…the Glutton…she invented the French can-can) and dancer, Jane Avril.
London…
For a short period of time, Toulouse-Lautrec lived in London. He had been commissioned by the J. & E. Bella company to create a poster advertising their paper confetti. Apparently, confetti had once been made of plaster! He also created a bicycle advertisement of La Chaîne Simpson. And, wouldn’t you know it…while in London, who should Toulouse-Lautrec meet and befriend? Oscar Wilde, of course! Lautrec became a very vocal supporter of Wilde as he faced imprisonment. Lautrec painted a portrait of Wilde…though it’s no Dorian Gray! One might even say…with friends like that!
A skosh more…
As I mentioned before, Toulouse-Lautrec was an alcoholic, maybe brought on by the mockery of others. Apparently, the Earthquake Cocktail (Tremblement de Terre) is one of his creations…half absinthe and half cognac in a wine goblet. For a time, absinthe was actually banned in Europe because it seemed to be responsible for some psychoactive properties as well as for being a hallucinogenic. Current thought is it’s no worse than any other alcohol. Toulouse-Lautrec, however, definitely suffered from alcoholism. In fact, the cane he relied upon to walk had been hollowed out and always filled with liquor so that he would never be without alcohol. That’s addiction, my friends.
A surprise…
Among Toulouse-Lautrec’s skills…believe it or not…was cooking! He was known as a really good cook and had quite the collection of favorite recipes. Some were his, and some he had adapted. His friend, Maurice Joyant posthumously published L’Art de la Cuisine in 1898. In 1966, the book was republished in English as The Art of Cuisine.
Finally…
On September 9, 1901, at only 36, Toulouse-Lautrec died from complications due to alcoholism and syphilis at Château Malromé, his mother’s estate. He is buried in Cimetière de Verdelais, Gironde, a few kilometres from the estate. Prior to his death, his family had committed him to Folie Saint-James, a sanatorium in February 1899. He was there for three months and, during that time, drew 39 circus portraits. Once released, Toulouse-Lautrec returned to the Paris studio and then travelled throughout France. But, his mental and physical health began to suffer due to the alcoholism and syphilis. Reportedly, his last words were, “Le vieux con!” (“The old fool”), a goodbye to his father. Following his death, his mother, Comtesse Adèle de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa funded a museum to be created in Albi, his birthplace, to show his works. The Musée Toulouse-Lautrec owns the most extensive collection of his works.
A few last words…
Lautrec best fits into the category of Post-Impressionists. His work showed regular people where they lived and worked unlike the idyllic scenes painted by Impressionists. He wasn’t afraid to use color and movement to present the gaudy nightlife of the Moulin Rouge as well as Montmartre with the glamour just plain gone. He could paint crowds yet each figure stood out. In fact, many of the individuals in his larger paintings have been identified by their silhouettes! While he painted with long colorful brushstrokes, much of the board would still be visible. His work has been described as “drawings in coloured paint.”
About the art work…
“May Belfort” is oil on millboard and painted in 1895. I’ve never heard of millboard, but never fear! I googled it! It is made by pasting thin sheets of paper together to make a heavy duty cardboard as a painting surface. The source says it’s supported by cardboard. The art work measures 24 5/8 x 19 in (62.5 x 48.2 cm. Framed, it measures 33 7/8 x 28 1/8 x 3 1/2 in (86 x 71.5 x 8.9 cm). It is signed at the bottom lower right: HT Lautrec. It is currently owned by the Cleveland Museum of Art and does not appear to be on display. It was a bequest of Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. If you go to this site, and click on the plus signs, you can get an idea of how often and where this painting was displayed.
A bit about May…
May Belfort was born in Ireland around 1872 and was a singer, actress and comedian. She was famous all over Europe and America. She began her career in London’s music halls and then went to Paris. She would perform her trademark nonsensical songs at the café des Décadents and the Petit Casino. May commissioned Toulouse-Lautrec to create a poster of her in her red dress with her black cat. Many of his paintings/posters included that black cat, but ours is missing the cat. May became a favorite subject of Lautrec’s. May would go on to perform in Russia, South Africa and the US. After a failed love affair (she horsewhipped the guy after discovering he was already married), May remained in the US. She retired from the stage because of ill health, invested in mining (which left her penniless), and ended up working as a rug weaver and living in poverty. She died in the United States in 1929. I think it’s unbearably sad we don’t know the exact dates of her birth or death. Here was this woman who entertained people around the world, posed for Toulouse-Lautrec, and died penniless and probably alone.
My interpretation…
I honestly thought about trying to recreate those lips, but I knew there was no way I could do it. I did go with a brighter lip than usual, though! I don’t have a lot of pink in my closet, but this Kantha Bae Rhiannon kimono has lots of the right colors of pink (for me). I then added another Kantha Bae silk shirt under it that picks up some of the beige I see in her sleeves. Next came a pink skirt/slip from Gudrun Sjödén. Because it was about 18 degrees outside (-7.8C), I wore thick black tights, and my look was complete. Honestly, May’s outfit reminds me of a peignoir rather than something worn outside the home. If you google “what women wore in the 1890s” and click on images, you’ll see plenty of those wasp waist silhouettes, not the somewhat frowzy look May is sporting.
The Lewk!
I have a feeling May would like my Siren boots from L’Artiste! They give me “lady about town” vibes. They also add the needed feather components as seen on May’s head! Win, win! I added turquoise jewelry to both match what appears to be a necklace as well as mimic the background. The earrings and one necklace are made from turquoise chips (could be howlite). The bracelet is one Nigel brought back from a business trip to the Southwest. It’s a really gorgeous mosaic of turquoise (pretty sure that’s real). The other necklace is from J Jill a few seasons ago. I seem to always wear these two necklaces together.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I wasn’t aware of the tragic circumstances surrounding Toulouse-Lautrec’s life. One has to wonder just how much more he would have accomplished without the debilitating effects of his shortened legs. I’ve seen reproductions of his posters but have never actually seen his paintings anywhere! I honestly only thought he made posters. So, can we talk? Would he have been an even greater painter? Would his work actually have suffered because he wouldn’t have felt the need to drink and visit prostitutes? What do you think of the painting of Oscar Wilde (nothing like Dorian Gray, right)? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Don’t forget…
If you want to be included in the Style Imitating Art round up, send me your photo by 10:00 pm EST Tuesday, December 3rd. Photos of everyone participating will appear on my blog on Wednesday, December 4th! If you’re interested in join us, consider all of your options…the colors, the figures, the chaos. You could be a rebel along with me! Come on, give it a try! I think you’ll love it!
Thank you!
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
That’s quite a story. No wonder he got syfilis. I think you reflect perfectly that time with your outfit! I’m thinking Moulin Rouge, can can!
Very colourful Marsha.
So very interesting; I remember learning a bit about Toulouse-Lautrec in college but apparently not much since I didn’t know most of what you wrote! Maybe we just looked at some of his work and didn’t talk about his actual life… seems like I would have remembered some of that! I love all your pinks and think your outfit is perfect for this challenge.
Wowzers, that’s a story that should be a movie! What a shame that he died so young and had such a troubled life despite great talent. I can imagine how hard that must have been to have the growth disorder and be picked on – so sad.
I love the colors in your dress, nice job, Marsha!
xo,
Kellyann
Your outfit is fabulous, Marsha! I love how you layered it to get all the shades of pink…genius, my friend!
I must admit, I knew nothing about Lautrec other than his name but his short life was fascinating. I wonder if there has ever been a movie made about him? Hm…must have a look!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
What’s better than one flouncy dress? Two flouncy dresses! Yes! I love this combination of layered dresses. It captures the essence of May’s flowy ruffles perfectly. I always say I have enough dresses to always wear two at once, so why not??? I love everything about this, my friend!
Shelbee