TOULOUSE-LAUTREC, Henri de
(b. 1864, Albi, d. 1901, Château Malromé, Langon)

The Wheel (Loïe Fuller)

1893
Gouache on cardboard, 63 x 48 cm
Museu de Arte, São Paulo

Loïe Fuller was an American dancer, born in Illinois. She performed in a costume made entirely of veils, illuminated by coloured reflecting lights. Lautrec portrayed her several times.

The highly talented dancer appeared on the stage swathed in tulle veils which she unfolded and wound into incredible spirals with long sticks that extended her arm span, creating mysterious aureoles of light and shade.