Who?

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a French  painter, poster designer and chronicler born in 1864 and died in 1901. He was known for his bold colours and dynamic compositions. He mostly sketched outcasts of society, in their most intimate moments particularly at the Moulin Rouge. His paintings showcased movement and emotion, revealing the humanity behind the glamour.

What is “Divan Japonais” about?

“Divan Japonais” is about the many café-concerts in late nineteenth-century in Paris. The lithograph captures two of his favourite Montmartre stars, Yvette Guilbert and Jane Avril. Here Avril is a spectator and in the upper left corner, on stage, is the headless body of Guilbert recognisable by her trademark long black gloves and gaunt physique. This lithograph was made in 1892 and was printed in four colours on wove paper.