At the Moulin Rouge: The Franco-Russian Alliance
Original title: At the Moulin Rouge: The Franco-Russian Alliance
kurzbeschreibung
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made this lithograph in 1893, titled 'At the Moulin Rouge: The French-Russian Alliance'. It presents two figures in what appears to be a stage or dance hall and was printed in black on imitation Japan paper. Only one edition of this lithograph exists.
Description
Two figures stand at the front: on the left, someone in a dark top and light headwear; on the right, someone in a light top with the words 'PARIS' and 'RUSSE' visible on it. Both are turned in half-profile and look toward the viewer. Abstract shapes and light effects behind them suggest a stage or dance space. The layout is asymmetrical, with the left figure positioned further outward. Light falling from above casts shadows on the floor.
Context
The print was made in 1893, when France and Russia were solidifying their military and political alliance. Toulouse-Lautrec frequented the Moulin Rouge, a famous Parisian entertainment venue. This lithograph served as a program or poster for an event at the Moulin Rouge celebrating French-Russian friendship. The subject thus links Parisian nightlife with a current political event.
Impact
The black-and-white lithograph creates a dramatic, almost nocturnal mood through the contrast of light and shadow. The half-turned poses and the figures' direct gaze make them seem both approachable and distant. This emphasizes the tension between entertainment and politics.
Technique
Toulouse-Lautrec used lithography in black, executed with crayon, brush, and spatter technique on imitation Japan paper. The varying shades of gray result from different line thicknesses and textures that the paper and printing process allow. The print is the only state of this lithograph.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)