1.The demimonde were a group of people in 19th-century France who lived on the fringes of society and were often involved in the world of prostitution, cabarets, and other forms of entertainment. They were considered to be socially marginalized and stigmatized, but also highly influential in shaping the cultural and artistic movements of the time. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a French artist who is well-known for his depictions of the demimonde in his paintings and posters. He captured the vibrant and colorful nightlife of Paris in the late 19th century, portraying scenes of cabarets, dance halls, and brothels. Through his work, we can learn about the social and cultural dynamics of the demimonde and the ways in which they challenged traditional notions of morality and respectability.
2.Vincent van Gogh was known for his bold use of color and his ability to convey emotion through his paintings. He often used what he called "contradictory colors" - colors that are opposite on the color wheel - to create a sense of tension and unease in his works. One example of this can be seen in his painting "The Night Cafe," which features a vivid yellow-green floor and bright red chairs. These colors clash with each other and create a sense of dissonance that reflects the chaotic and frenzied atmosphere of the cafe. Van Gogh also used color to convey emotion in other ways, such as using blue and green tones to suggest sadness or melancholy, or warm oranges and yellows to convey happiness and joy. Overall, Van Gogh's use of color was a powerful tool for expressing the emotional intensity of his subjects and capturing the mood of his surroundings.