Miss May Belfort - Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Archival giclée
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Description
A portrait of the Irish cabaret performer May Belfort, captured in her signature pink stage costume by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1895.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec produced this portrait of the Irish music hall performer May Belfort in 1895. Belfort was a popular figure in the Parisian cabaret scene during the late nineteenth century, known for her childlike stage persona and her signature song, Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow. Toulouse-Lautrec captured her in the costume she wore for this performance, which consisted of a long, pink Victorian-style dress and a bonnet.
The artist utilised his characteristic technique of applying oil paint to cardboard, a surface that allowed for a matte finish and rapid application. His brushwork is loose and expressive, focusing on the psychological presence of the subject rather than photographic accuracy. The background is rendered in muted, earthy tones, which creates a contrast with the soft pink of the dress. This choice of colour palette directs the viewer's attention to the figure of Belfort, who stands with a somewhat melancholic or detached expression, a common trait in the artist's depictions of cabaret performers.
Toulouse-Lautrec was a frequent visitor to the venues of Montmartre, where he observed the performers from the perspective of an insider. His work often documented the reality behind the glamour of the stage. In this portrait, the simplicity of the composition and the directness of the gaze provide a glimpse into the life of a performer who navigated the demands of public entertainment. The work remains a significant example of his ability to distil the essence of his subjects through a combination of observation and stylistic economy. It reflects the atmosphere of the Parisian nightlife, where the boundaries between the private individual and the public persona were often blurred.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Miss May Belfort - Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Artist Biography
Henri De Toulouse Lautrec
Toulouse-Lautrec's posters and paintings, such as 'At the Moulin Rouge' and 'Jane Avril,' immortalised the iconic figures of the era. He elevated the art of lithography, using bold colours and innovative compositions to create striking advertisements and artworks. His distinctive style, characterised by flattened perspectives and expressive line work, defied academic convention and embraced the energy of modern life.
Despite his tragically short life, cut short by alcoholism and syphilis at just 36, Toulouse-Lautrec left an indelible mark on art history. He bridged the gap between fine art and commercial design, influencing generations of artists and solidifying his place as a key figure in Post-Impressionism. His works offer a glimpse into a vibrant and often overlooked side of Parisian society, capturing the spirit of a bygone era with enduring appeal.
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