Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec "Moulin Rouge: La Goulue"
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's poster "Moulin Rouge: La Goulue" commissioned in 1891, marked a significant milestone in Lautrec's career, launching him into the spotlight of Belle Époque Paris. His depiction captures the vibrant energy of the city's nightlife near the turn of the century
Inspired by the bustling cabaret scene of Montmartre, this lithograph features star performers and patrons of the Moulin Rouge. In the foreground, Louise Weber, better known as La Goulue. As a frequent patron of the establishment himself, Lautrec had an intimate understanding of its atmosphere.The poster's bold lines and exaggerated forms are characteristic of Lautrec's distinctive style, drawing viewers into the lively spectacle of the can-can dancers and musicians. Through his art, Lautrec not only promoted the Moulin Rouge but also immortalized its colorful characters and bohemian ambiance.
Created by Lautrec in 1891, this poster reflected Lautrec’s position as an audience member and his intimate relationship with the Moulin Rouge, the famed cabaret in the Montmartre district of Paris. Lautrec was a frequent patron of the establishment, drawn to its colorful characters and bohemian atmosphere. His immersion in this world of dance, music, and revelry provided him with firsthand inspiration for his art.
The "Moulin Rouge: La Goulue" poster captures the key characters of the cabaret through its depiction of Louise Weber, known as La Goulue, a popular can-can dancer at the venue. Lautrec's distinctive style, characterized by bold lines and exaggerated forms, brings La Goulue to life, exuding energy and vivacity. The poster served not only as a promotional tool for the Moulin Rouge but also as a testament to Lautrec's unparalleled ability to capture the spirit of his subjects.
“When the brassy dance hall and drinking garden of the Moulin Rouge opened on the boulevard de Clichy in 1889, one of Lautrec's paintings was displayed near the entrance. He himself became a conspicuous fixture of the place and was commissioned to create the six-foot-tall advertisement that launched his poster making career and made him famous overnight. He turned a spotlight on the crowded dance floor of the nightclub and its star performers, the "boneless" acrobat Valentin le Désossé and La Goulue, "the glutton," whose cancan skirts were lifted at the finale of the chahut.”
Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/333990
- Amos Balaish