The French Connection: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Redhead (The Toilette), 1889 (Rousse (La toilette) – Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Oil on cardboard
67 x 54 cm
©Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

The model for “La Rousse” (also known as “La Toilette”) is believed to be Carmen Gaudin. Toulouse-Lautrec met her in 1884 and was instantly captivated. He painted her frequently, and she became one of his favorite models.

Toulouse-Lautrec often painted women in intimate, everyday moments, like when they were getting ready. In this painting, the woman is the focal point, seen close up with her sculptural back to the viewer. The wicker chairs around her suggest the scene took place in the artist’s studio on rue Caulaincourt.

The theme of women at their toilette was popular at the time, especially among artists like Mary Cassatt and Bonnard. However, it’s Degas’ naturalist influence that stands out in Lautrec’s work. Unlike traditional poses, the relaxed and natural perspective echoes the series of women at their toilette that Degas presented at the last Impressionist exhibition in 1886. Lautrec deeply admired Degas, and his framing of the scene and high viewpoint are reminiscent of Degas’ masterly pastels. However, Lautrec differed in his more humane and compassionate portrayal of women. This painting has caused some confusion over the years. It has had several titles and its date was once thought to be 1896. It has now been established that it was painted in 1889. Lautrec exhibited it as “Rousse” at the Exhibition of the XX in Brussels in 1890, reflecting his lifelong preference for red-haired models.