We can assume that the larger woman is a bordello madame questioning
a bar girl or potential prostitute. She asks, "Are you a virtuous
woman?" to which the other woman replies, "Yes Madame, but
I have a boyfriend." Their personalities come through in Lautrec's
exquisite rendering of the faces and the body language. The Madame
stands relaxed with a knowing smile, in direct contrast to the pouting
little woman looking uncomfortable in her hat and closed coat.
"His (Lautrec) visits to the brothels and his period of residence
there were not the outcome of a sudden whim. He wished to immerse
himself completely in the life of the establishment…he wished
to convey a true picture…He depicted what he observed and these
intimate scenes from the life of the prostitutes are equally free
from repugnance and condemnation" (Dortu
p.128,139)
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