May Belfort (1895)

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's artwork "May Belfort" from 1895 is a striking and evocative lithograph that captures the essence of the Parisian cabaret scene at the end of the 19th century. The painting features May Belfort, an Irish singer who captivated Parisian audiences with her performances, often characterized by her childlike and somewhat innocent appearance juxtaposed with her risqué songs.In this visually striking piece, Belfort is portrayed in a vivid red gown, which accentuates her theatrical and bold stage persona. The use of bold, flat colors and minimal background detail is typical of Lautrec's style, focusing attention entirely on the figure herself. The intriguing expression on Belfort’s face, marked by wide eyes and slightly pursed lips, suggests an air of enigmatic allure.Adding to her distinctive look, Belfort wears a large, frilly bonnet and carries a small black cat, which both adds to her innocent yet mysterious demeanor and likely references one of her famous songs, "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow." The simple, yet dynamic lines behind her suggest the bars of a cage or a simplified backdrop, hinting at the performative constraints or the nature of her act."May Belfort" is a wonderful example of Toulouse-Lautrec’s mastery in capturing the vibrant and slightly edgy atmosphere of the Montmartre district's nightlife, bringing to life one of its most enchanting performers.