Woman brothel

surface prep

The artwork is on cardboard. While specific preparation for this exact piece is not detailed in the sources, traditional oil painting on non-canvas supports requires sealing to prevent oil absorption. Lautrec likely prepared the cardboard with a ground suitable for oil. Given the era, a simple gesso or oil-based ground would be standard. The surface should be smooth enough to allow for the 'sketched outline' often employed before painting (Source 1).

underdrawing

Lautrec often applied paint over a sketched outline of the subject, which could be in another medium (Source 1). For a portrait, a preliminary drawing in charcoal or thin wash would establish the figure's proportions and gestures before the oil application.

underpainting

While not explicitly confirmed for this specific work, the practice of creating a monochrome base (grisaille) before glazing was common among old masters and discussed in contemporary texts (Source 6). Lautrec may have used a thin initial layer to establish values. However, given his Post-Impressionist style, he might have worked more directly (alla prima) or with limited underpainting to preserve the vibrancy of the oil colors.

Brush Selection

Using hog bristles for bold strokes and sable/fitch hair for fine detail in portraits (Source 1).

Palette Mixing

Mixing small quantities of paint on the palette as the process unfolds, rather than pre-mixing large amounts (Source 1).

Optical Color Interaction

While Lautrec is Post-Impressionist, the broader movement involved capturing light effects. Divisionism/Pointillism used separate dots for optical mixing, but Lautrec likely used more traditional brushwork with an emphasis on expressive color (Source 4, Source 5).