Lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: “Woman in a Corset”

“Woman in a corset – Conquest of passage. (Pl. Of the suite Elles)” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Though very technically capturing a scene in motion, perhaps what is most striking about this arresting piece by Lautrec is the resolute, peaceful sense of still that exudes from the picture plane. A woman, half enshrouded in her discarded garments, stands tall with her back to the viewer, her strong arms gracefully following what appears to be a familiar but elegant ritual of redressing. A male form, identifiable as a patron of the brothel by his top hat, can be found fading into the furnishings of the room, his erect posture and carefully non-descript features solidifying his position as background in the composition.