Feathered hats, petticoats, stockings in silhouette; monocles, moustaches, and canes… Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters and prints scatter the trappings of Belle Époque Paris across the paper. His pictures of revellers, performers, prostitutes and other members of the Parisian demimonde are both acutely observed and unapologetically avant-garde. They are among the most recognisable of the period, and over a hundred are being given a showing this summer at MoMA in New York.
‘The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec’ capitalises on the museum’s own extensive collection, and builds up a colourful portrait of the city and its society. Here are a few of the highlights.
‘The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec’ is at MoMA, New York, from 26 July 2014–22 March 2015.