Books and Manuscripts

T(oulouse)-Lautrec, H(enri de)
Ambassadeurs: Aristide Bruant
(Paris): Imp. Edw. Ancourt & Cie, (1892). Color lithograph. Laid down on wove paper; creasing from contemporary folds; Republique Francaise tax ink stamp in top left; small repairs to top left corner; scattered small areas of repairs and indiscreet in-painting. 58 7/16 x 39 1/8 in. (1484 x 994 mm). In frame, 60 x 40 1/4 in. (1524 x 1022 mm). Wittrock P4

A handsome and bright example of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's iconic poster, designed to promote his friend and supporter, the popular Parisian cabaret singer Aristide Bruant. Bruant commissioned the poster himself on behalf of the Ambassadeurs club where he performed, and where he was known for his commanding wit and underworld persona. The director of the club found the poster shocking and refused to display it, prompting Bruant to threaten to cancel his shows. The poster was subsequently plastered all around Paris. This is the first of three posters Lautrec designed for Bruant.

Provenance
Collection of Harrison Eiteljorg, Sr., Indianapolis, Indiana.