Inspiration: "Salon de la rue des Moulins"
Salon de la rue des Moulins is a painting by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created between 1894 and 1895. Measuring 111.5 × 132.5 cm, it is now part of the collection of the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi, France.
The painting depicts the interior of a brothel, featuring ornate wall moldings and a column standing at the center of the room. Several sofas are arranged throughout the space, where a group of women can be seen relaxing.
What especially caught my attention are the colors and the way Lautrec layers them. In some areas, the paint is applied very thinly and sketchily, allowing details to remain visible—for example, the figure of the maîtresse behind the sofa cushion can still be made out upon closer inspection, while other figures almost fade into the background (as seen on the right side of the painting). In contrast, other passages are painted with bold, opaque colors that clearly separate forms from one another. This is also how he directs the viewer's attention: first to the two central women, and then to the women in the background, using distinct shapes and strong contrasts in light and value.
I also find his outlines particularly unique. They vary in both thickness and color and feel deliberately placed to emphasize specific parts of the composition—for example, the arm of the woman in the foreground, her hair, and the features of her face.
Through these elements, together with his expressive use of form and striking color palette, Lautrec creates a style that is instantly recognizable.
Naturally, I had to make a small study of the painting myself.
