Description
"The Two Girlfriends (Abandon)" is an iconic painting by renowned French artist Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec. This work, with an original size of 46 x 68 cm, was created in 1894 and represents an interesting example of his artistic style and his focus on nightlife and the marginal characters of the Parisian society of the time.
Toulouse-Lautrec's artistic style is characterized by its use of bold lines and vibrant colors, and "The Two Girlfriends" is no exception. The composition of the painting is striking, with the two women in the foreground and a dark background that highlights their figure. The artist uses loose, gestural brushstrokes to create a sense of movement and energy in the work.
Color plays a crucial role in "The Two Girlfriends." Toulouse-Lautrec uses intense and contrasting colors to represent the two women, highlighting their clothing and appearance. While one of them is wearing black, the other is wearing a bright red dress, creating a striking visual contrast. This use of color not only highlights the beauty of women, but also reflects their personality and their position in the Parisian society of the time.
The story behind the painting is also fascinating. "The Two Girlfriends" shows two young women, one embracing the other while the latter appears to be in a state of abandonment or sadness. This portrayal of female intimacy and vulnerability is a recurring theme in the work of Toulouse-Lautrec, who had a fascination with the nightlife and working-class women of Paris.
A little known aspect of this painting is that the two women depicted are close friends of the artist. One of them is believed to be the famous dancer and courtesan Jane Avril, who was a recurring muse in Toulouse-Lautrec's work. The other woman is identified as a friend of Avril's named May Milton. This personal connection between the artist and the sitters adds an additional layer of intimacy and meaning to the painting.
In short, Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec's "The Two Girlfriends (Abandon)" is a fascinating painting that stands out for its bold artistic style, striking composition, and vibrant use of color. The story behind the work and his personal connection to the sitters add a level of depth and meaning to this depiction of Parisian nightlife in the 1890s.