Leaving the Theater

Infused with a feeling of euphoria, this closeup image depicts the madam of the maison close (“brothel”) in the rue des Moulins leaving a theater. The background sculpture resembles a prop or decoration but also brings to mind the sensual treatment of the female form in French shows of the time. Mirroring this pleasure, the female subject leans back onto her companion with closed eyes, giving the viewer a sense of her blissful theatrical evening.