Moulin Rouge La Goulue Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901)

This is a color lithograph poster advertising the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris. The title MOULIN ROUGE is prominently displayed in large, bold, orange letters at the top. Below it, it announces CONCERT and BAL (dance) TOUS LES SOIRS (every evening).

The central image depicts a lively scene from the cabaret. In the foreground, a dark-skinned man wearing a top hat is prominently featured in profile, his gaze seemingly directed towards the dancer. To his left, a woman, presumably the famous dancer La Goulue (The Glutton), is captured in mid-dance. She has blonde hair styled in a bun and is wearing a polka-dot top and a voluminous white skirt that is lifted, revealing her legs. Her signature dance move, a high kick revealing her garters, is hinted at. Behind them, silhouetted figures in top hats suggest an audience observing the performance. Above the audience, several small yellow shapes resemble floating champagne glasses, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The poster also specifies that MOULIN ROUGE performances occur TOUS LES SOIRS and that there is a BAL MASQUÉ (masquerade ball) on Mercredis et Samedis (Wednesdays and Saturdays). The artists signature, Chéret, is visible in the lower left corner.

The subtexts of the poster are rich and multifaceted:

• Celebration of Parisian Nightlife and Bohemian Culture: The poster is an iconic representation of the Belle Époque eras vibrant nightlife, particularly the artistic and bohemian scene centered around Montmartre. The Moulin Rouge was a hub for artists, writers, and bohemians, and this poster invites viewers to partake in that energetic and somewhat unconventional lifestyle.
• The Star Power of La Goulue: La Goulue was one of the most famous dancers of the Moulin Rouge, known for her provocative and energetic performances. By featuring her prominently and mentioning her name, the poster highlights her star power and her attractiveness as a performer, drawing crowds specifically to see her.
• Sensuality and Spectacle: The lifted skirt of La Goulue, hinting at her daring dance moves, and the presence of the captivated male spectator in the foreground, all contribute to a sense of sensuality and spectacle. The poster is designed to entice and excite potential patrons by promising a visually stimulating and perhaps slightly risqué experience.
• Social Hierarchy and Observation: The stark contrast between the silhouetted, top-hatted audience and the dynamically posed performers suggests a dynamic of observation and entertainment. The audience, dressed formally, is implicitly positioned as the observers of the more expressive and perhaps lower-class entertainers. The poster captures a moment where social distinctions are momentarily dissolved or heightened within the spectacle of the cabaret.
• Advertising Prowess: The poster is a masterful work of advertising. The bold typography, dynamic composition, and striking imagery are all designed to grab attention and create a desire to visit the establishment. The repetition of Moulin Rouge and the clear depiction of its offerings – concerts, dances, and balls – make the advertisement effective in conveying its message.