The Crystal Palace or the Closed House in Antwerp
1900
Henri Ottmann invites us into a hazy, bustling interior—likely a brothel in Antwerp, as the French title suggests. The scene is alive with loose, energetic brushstrokes that prioritize atmosphere over precise details. Women lounge at tables or stand in groups, while a figure in a striking green coat anchors the center of the room. Cool blues and greens mix with warm yellows to create a dreamlike ambiance, capturing a candid snapshot of turn-of-the-century nightlife.