Monsieur boileau Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901)

The composition presents a scene within what appears to be a Parisian café or brasserie. A gentleman occupies the foreground, seated at a table covered with a white linen cloth. He is actively engaged in lighting a cigarette, holding a match between his fingers and directing flame towards the tobacco. His expression conveys a sense of self-possession and perhaps slight amusement. The man’s attire – a dark bowler hat, a patterned waistcoat over a jacket, and a neatly trimmed mustache – suggests a certain social standing and adherence to contemporary fashion.
Behind him, other patrons populate the space. A waiter, distinguished by his tall black top hat and formal coat, attends to a gentleman in the background who appears to be gesturing animatedly while smoking a pipe. The figures are rendered with a deliberate lack of precise detail; their faces are somewhat flattened, and individual features are simplified, contributing to an overall impression of immediacy rather than photographic realism.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – ochres, yellows, browns, and reds – which evoke the atmosphere of gaslight and the intimate ambiance of such establishments. The light source seems to emanate from above, casting shadows that define form and add depth to the scene. A small collection of matches lies scattered on the table alongside a glass of green liquid and a bottle of amber-colored beverage. These objects contribute to the narrative of a moment captured in time – a brief pause within the flow of social interaction.
The artist’s use of broad, visible brushstrokes creates a textured surface that emphasizes the materiality of the paint itself. This technique lends a sense of vibrancy and energy to the scene, while also suggesting a deliberate departure from traditional academic painting styles. The arrangement of figures and objects feels somewhat compressed, creating a feeling of closeness and intimacy within the confined space of the café.
Subtly, there is an air of melancholy present. While the scene depicts a moment of leisure and social engagement, the flattened perspective and simplified forms create a sense of detachment, as if observing these individuals from a distance. The gentleman’s self-absorbed action – the lighting of his cigarette – could be interpreted as a symbol of fleeting pleasure or a momentary escape from an underlying ennui.