Take an audio tour of Toulouse-Lautrec's Belle Époque scene from the MASP
The Wheel (Detail 1)
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During the Belle Époque, Montmartre is alive with famous faces - artists, intellectuals, dancers. If you want to see them in a moment of real "life", Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec has the answer.
The Wheel (Detail 2)
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One of several choreographed cabaret staples is a 'wheel' shape created by a dress. Toulouse-Lautrec's scene focuses on this area, but only depicts it in a sketched form.
The Wheel (Detail 3)
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Stilll, it's the most vital part of the work. The painter lets us see the rapid pencil and brush strokes which he used to paint from backstage.
The Wheel (Detail 4)
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The painter's eye concentrates on the dancer's face, concealed by heavy makeup. It's a frank eye, which captures every aspect of the Parisian cabaret without judgement.
The Wheel (Detail 5)
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It's Loïe Fuller, a cabaret dancer famous for performing in flowing, elaborate dress. In this fleeting moment, we've become her audience. Does she deserve an applause?