At the circus, horse and monkey dressage Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901)

The composition presents a scene within what appears to be a circus ring. A figure dressed as a clown dominates the central space; his attire consists of striped trousers and jacket, topped with a black top hat adorned with a prominent red pom-pom nose. He holds a thin rope in his hand, seemingly controlling the actions of the animals around him.
To the left of the clown stands a grey horse, its head turned slightly away from the viewer. A bridle is visible, suggesting its under some form of direction. In front of the clown and the horse, a small, orange-colored monkey sits on its haunches, gazing upwards with an expression that could be interpreted as either defiance or playful curiosity. The rope held by the clown also appears to connect to this animal.
The ring itself is rendered in muted tones of red and green, providing a backdrop that emphasizes the figures within. The overall palette leans towards soft pastels, contributing to a somewhat whimsical atmosphere.
Beyond the immediate depiction of circus performance, the work hints at themes of control and power dynamics. The clown’s posture suggests an air of authority, yet his exaggerated features also introduce an element of absurdity. The animals responses – the horse’s averted gaze and the monkey’s upward stare – could be read as subtle expressions of resistance or a questioning of the imposed order. There is a sense of quiet tension beneath the surface of the seemingly lighthearted spectacle.
The artist has employed loose, expressive brushstrokes that contribute to a feeling of spontaneity and movement. The lack of detailed background further focuses attention on the interaction between the clown and the animals, amplifying the underlying narrative about human dominion over nature and the complexities inherent in entertainment.