Elles: The Seated Clown, Mlle Cha-u-Ka-o

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Cleveland Museum of Art

The seated clown is a woman with white hair styled in a tall pompadour, adorned with a yellow ribbon. She wears a vibrant yellow feathered collar or ruff around her neck, a black leotard or bodysuit, and black tights or stockings. Her legs are spread apart, with her feet positioned slightly outward; her right foot points inward. Her hands are clasped together in her lap. The clown's face displays pink cheeks and a neutral expression. She sits on a red bench or platform. In the background, a man and woman are visible on the left. The man wears a gray top hat, a light-colored jacket, and dark pants. The woman has a pink dress and a pink hat. The background features a mix of yellow, pink, and gray tones. The floor has a pink and beige pattern. The wall behind the clown includes a gray pillar and a beige section with some indistinct writing or drawing.