Les attitudes sont faciles et chastes

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn Before us is Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's "Les attitudes sont faciles et chastes," a captivating print made in 1892. This piece, part of the National Gallery of Art's esteemed collection, offers a glimpse into the bohemian world of late 19th-century Paris that so captivated Toulouse-Lautrec. nn The artwork focuses on a young woman, her eyes closed as if lost in thought or perhaps the rhythm of music. Her head and body subtly turn to the left, creating a sense of graceful movement frozen in time. The artist dresses her in a simple yet elegant blue dress, a splash of color against the muted background, while a delicate pink rose held in her hand adds a touch of tenderness. nn Toulouse-Lautrec masterfully employs line and color in this print. Notice the bold, flowing contours that define the woman's figure, a hallmark of his distinctive style. The limited color palette, dominated by cool blues and soft pinks, evokes a sense of quiet intimacy and melancholy. nn "Les attitudes sont faciles et chastes" is more than just a beautiful image; it's a historical document. Toulouse-Lautrec, a frequent visitor of Parisian nightclubs and dancehalls, often depicted the dancers and performers he encountered. Through his art, we catch a glimpse of a world often hidden from polite society, a world of fleeting beauty, raw emotion, and the ephemeral nature of Parisian nightlife.