Here is the story behind some of Toulouse-Lautrec's posters. The prices given are at an online poster store called AllPosters. We recommend them highly. They offer more than 30 Toulouse-Lautrec posters & art prints. They're sold at very reasonable prices and any one of them can be framed or mounted.
By the way, AllPosters also has the poster from the Hollywood movie. A DVD or VHS copy of the movie itself can be purchased at Amazon. For a variety of art and history books about Lautrec and the Moulin Rouge, see our books page.
Jane Avril - 1893
23 in. x 29 in., $14.40
This poster was commissioned to advertise Jane Avril's debut
at the Jardin de Paris, a club on the Champs-Elysses. Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Jane Avril Dancing
23 in. x 29 in., $14.40
Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Jane Avril - 1899
28 in. x 40 in., $26.99
This poster is significant as an example of Toulouse-Lautrec's
evolving style, especially when compared to earlier paintings
of Jane Avril.
The snake wrapped around her is likely an invention of Lautrec's, rather than a costume that Avril actually wore. Its twisting shape is indicative of the Art Noveau style — which accentuated fluid lines and curves — that was then replacing Japonisme as the
dominant artistic trend.
Avril's manager rejected the poster because he didn't like the snake.
Click for a larger image or poster ordering information. Click here to send this poster as an e-card. Click here for free clip art of this poster.
Le Divan Japonais
36 in. x 26 in., $22.50
This 1893 poster advertised the Asian-style Montmartre club, Le Divan
Japonais. Lautrec portrays three of his friends: Jane Avril, the critic Edouard Dujardin, and Yvette Guilbert, the famous singer and comedienne, recognizable by her long black gloves.
For some interesting artistic interpretations of the poster, click here.
Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Moulin Rouge - La Goulue
22 in. x 28 in., $9.99
This poster advertises Moulin Rouge and features images of La Goulue
and her partner Valentin le Desosse. La Goulue's provocative kicks and
Valentin's rubbery arms and thin frame are clearly conveyed.
"Bal Tous Les Soirs" translates as "Ball Every Evening."
Click for a larger image or poster ordering information. Click here to send this poster as an e-card. Click here for free clip art of this poster.
Moulin Rouge - La Goulue
(A dramatically larger version of the same poster)
58 in. x 36 in., $53.99
Since Lautrec was operating in the poster format, much of his artwork could be reused with different texts at different times. This version
of the La Goulue poster advertises masked balls ("Bal Masque") on Wednesdays and Saturdays ("les Mercredis et Samedis").
Click for a larger image or poster ordering information. Click here to send this poster as an e-card. Click here for free clip art of this poster.
Ambassadeurs
24 in. x 36 in., $12.99
This famous 1892 poster advertises Aristide Bruant's debut at the
Ambassadeurs, a much more upscale venue than his own club, Le
Mirliton.
The manager of the Ambassadeurs hated the poster, and Bruant had to
threaten to cancel his engagement unless it was used. The manager
conceded, but Lautrec never did receive his fee.
Click for a larger image or poster ordering information. Click here to send this poster as an e-card. Click here for free clip art of this poster.
El Dorado
26 in. x 36 in., $22.50
After his successful appearance at the Ambassadeurs, Bruant had
Lautrec make this poster to advertise his appearance at a similar
club, El Dorado. A master promoter, Bruant recognized the utility
of a brand, and had Lautrec simply retrace the already famous
portrait from the first poster, and simply reverse it. Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Aristide Bruant Dans Son Cabaret
20 in. x 28 in., $23.50
This is Lautrec's third poster design for Bruant. It was commissioned
by the singer himself and, in keeping with Bruant's desire to
establish his image in people's minds, was designed with the upper left corner
blank so it could be reused for different engagements. It was issued
in four editions, advertising performances at the Theatre Royal, the
Alcazar Lyrique, and his return to Montmartre. Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Portrait of Honorine P
15 in. x 22 in., $23.40
Although less famous now than his posters, Lautrec painted hundreds of
portraits. This is our favorite. Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Friends
28 in. x 20 in., $17.99
The two women beautifully illustrated here may be more than "friends." Apparently, Lautrec had an interest in painting lesbians at the time
this was done. Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Lady Clown Cha-U-Kao
23 in. x 29 in., $14.40
Virtually nothing is known about this woman, except that she was a dancer at the Moulin Rouge and apparently often dressed in this
yellow clown outfit.
The girl seems to have caught Lautrec's eye because he painted four
pictures of her around 1895, one of which shows her in the arm of a
female companion. Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Dancer Seated
16 in. x 20 in., $16.20
Click for a larger image or poster ordering information.
Click here to browse the entire selection of Lautrec posters and prints
at AllPosters.
