The Collection
The American Wing Ancient Near Eastern Art Arms and Armor The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing Asian Art The Cloisters The Costume Institute Drawings and Prints Egyptian Art European Paintings European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Greek and Roman Art Islamic Art Robert Lehman Collection The Libraries Medieval Art Musical Instruments Photographs Antonio Ratti Textile Center Modern and Contemporary Art

The Singer

Edouard Vuillard French
Subject May Belfort Irish

ca. 1895

Not on view

During the early 1890s, Vuillard immersed himself in the world of Parisian theater and performance. Here, the artist captures Miss May Belfort, an Irish star of the café-concert, known for her distinctive childish dress with puffed sleeves and an oversized bonnet. Toulouse-Lautrec also immortalized the entertainer in numerous prints. Vuillard's energetic ink line vigorously conveys the singer's movement on stage.

The Singer, Edouard Vuillard (French, Cuiseaux 1868–1940 La Baule), Pen and ink (recto); pen and brush and ink (verso) — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

The Singer, Edouard Vuillard (French, Cuiseaux 1868–1940 La Baule), Pen and ink (recto); pen and brush and ink (verso)

The Singer, Edouard Vuillard (French, Cuiseaux 1868–1940 La Baule), Pen and ink (recto); pen and brush and ink (verso)

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: The Singer

Artist: Edouard Vuillard (French, Cuiseaux 1868–1940 La Baule)

Subject: May Belfort (Irish, 1872–1929)

Date: ca. 1895

Medium: Pen and ink (recto); pen and brush and ink (verso)

Dimensions: Sheet: 6 3/4 × 4 1/4 in. (17.2 × 10.8 cm)

Classification: Drawings

Credit Line: Gift of Jill Newhouse, 2018

Accession Number: 2018.901a, b

How Ink Drawings are Made

How Ink Drawings are Made

An illustrated explainer.

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.

The Met

Drawings and Prints at The Met

The Met's collection of drawings and prints—one of the most comprehensive and distinguished of its kind in the world—began with a gift of 670 works from Cornelius Vanderbilt, a Museum trustee, in 1880.