T(oulouse)-Lautrec, H(enri de)
Reine de Joie
Paris: Imp. Edw: Ancourt & Cie, (1892). Color lithograph. Laid down on light wove paper; creasing from contemporary folds, small losses and indiscreet restoration along same, especially in upper portion; sheet evenly toned. 59 1/4 x 39 1/4 in. (1505 x 997 mm). In frame, 61 3/4 x 41 3/4 in. (1568 x 1060 mm). Wittrock P3

A handsome example of this colorful poster by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, printed to advertise Victor Joze's controversial and popular novel Reine de joie (Queen of Joy). Joze was known for his risqué narratives that centered around Montmartre nightlife and prostitution, and the novel follows a young courtesan's relationship with a wealthy Jewish banker, Baron de Rosenfeld, a character loosely based on the real-life Baron Alphonse James de Rothschild. Alphonse recognized the veiled likeness and attempted to stop the book and poster’s publication, and subsequently attempted to destroy copies displayed in bookstores.

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