The Loïe Fûller (1893)
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At the Folies-Bergères, where he discovered Loïe Fûller, Lautrec was fascinated by her dance (1893). An American dancer and choreographer, she seduced Parisian audiences with an original number during which she would ruffle the voile of her muslin dress with batons and bask in the colourful electrical limelight.

In this sketch, which would go on to be used as a basis for a series of lithographs, Lautrec captures in one searing stroke the spontaneity of the dancer's movement and reproduces the enchanting impression made by the lighting.

Each print was reproduced in watercolour, then covered in golden glitter evoking the iridescence of the spotlights.