France, 19th century / 1895
May Belfort
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs May Belfort as drawing (France, 19th century · 1895).
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec depicted May Belfort in numerous prints, drawings, posters, and paintings.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this drawing as oil on millboard and credits Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864–1901).
The museum's collection notes: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was inspired by café concerts, popular places of Parisian entertainment that featured singers or other performers. This drawing depicts May Belfort, one such entertainer, who the artist discovered in 1895 during a visit to the popular nightclub Les Décadents. Belfort soon became one of Lautrec's favorite models and is seen here wearing the ruffled dress and bonnet that became a signature of her performances. The singer adopted a babyish voice and stood motionless on the stage, encouraging her fans to shout lyrics along with her.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtMay BelfortOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.