SONG OF THE WEEK—“It’s in Your Hands + Variations on Satie” https://johnnyjblairsingeratlarge.bandcamp.com/track/its-in-your-hands-variations-on-satie-2

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"Portrait of Suzanne Valadon," Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1885.

Comte Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Montfa (1864-1901) is best known for his paintings depicting prostitutes or showgirls at the Moulin Rouge, but he also did a number of very nice portraits.

In the 1880s he became close friends with fellow painter Suzanne Valadon (whose work I've featured) and it's believed they were lovers, and that she wanted to marry. But the relationship was severed in 1888 and she attempted suicide not long after.

This portrait is from the first years of their relationship. Here Suzanne seems to be approaching the viewer while walking through a park in autumn. Her expression is unreadable but Toulouse-Lautrec makes her stand out in her purple dress. She dominates the canvas.

Henri himself was an alcoholic with a fondness for prostitutes. He also had a number of health problems, some genetic (his parents were first cousins and his family was somewhat inbred) and he was famously short, due to both legs being broken as a child and ceasing to grow. Valadon seems to be expressing anxiety and care about the viewer, and about Henri. Maybe?

Happy Portrait Monday!

From the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Buenos Aires.

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“Suzanne Valadon was a French painter and model of artists. In 1894 she became the first woman painter admitted to the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Valadon painted still lifes, portraits, flowers, and landscapes that are noted for their strong composition and vibrant colors. . . She was also a cat lover and often painted her cats, especially her favorite, the chubby Raminou.” — Zuzanna Stanska

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