Marcelle Lender Dancing the Bolero in "Chilpéric"

Marcelle Lender, playing Galeswinthe, performs a Spanish bolero for King Chilpéric and his court. The footlights explain the unusual green tones of her skin. This is one of Toulouse-Lautrec's largest and most elaborate canvases. It translates a particular stage number together with its artificial lighting and costume.

Greenish footlights illuminate the dancer's face. The unusual skin color belongs to the stage lighting.

A pink skirt fans outward. Its broad spread conveys the dance through one selected position.

A dark-stockinged leg extends forward. It remains clear against the lighter fabric.

A blue-clad man stands with bent arms. The other performers provide a theatrical context for Marcelle's solo movement.

Red scenery frames the stage. Its color joins the costumes and artificial illumination.

Toulouse-Lautrec knew performers and patrons of Parisian entertainment venues. Here he addresses a particular role in a named production. The large format preserves both the dancer and the theatrical ensemble around her.