Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, May Belfort

Elegant, theatrical, and instantly recognizable, May Belfort is one of the most celebrated works by the great French master Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, capturing the vibrant spirit of Parisian nightlife at the height of the Belle Époque. Created as a lithograph in colors on wove paper, the composition portrays the famed singer and cabaret performer May Belfort draped in a striking red gown, her theatrical presence accentuated by Lautrec’s distinctive economy of line and bold use of flat color. With just a few expressive strokes, the artist conveys both the personality and stage charisma of the performer, transforming what might have been a simple advertising poster into a timeless work of modern art.

Measuring an impressive 31 1/4 by 23 3/4 inches and linen-backed for preservation and presentation, this example corresponds to Wittrock’s state B iv (of C) and bears the address of the renowned Parisian printer Kleinmann. Lautrec’s groundbreaking posters revolutionized graphic design at the end of the 19th century, elevating commercial imagery into the realm of fine art and influencing generations of modern artists. Today, his works are held in the permanent collections of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Musée d'Orsay. May Belfort remains a quintessential example of Lautrec’s genius—an iconic and highly collectible image that captures the glamour, wit, and artistic innovation of fin-de-siècle Paris.

Created in 1895, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec May Belfort, is Lithograph in colors on wove paper linen-baced, Wittrock's state B iv (of C), with address of the printer, Kleinmann, Paris.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec May Belfort is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).

1. Adriani, Götz. Toulouse Lautrec: The Complete Graphic Works A Catalogue Raisonne, London, 1988. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 126 with another example illustrated.

2. Wittrock, Wolfgang. Toulouse-Lautrec The Complete Prints, Vol I, New York, 1985. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné P 14.

3. Delteil Loys. H. de Toulouse-Lautrec, seconde partie, Paris, 1920. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 354.

4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec May Belfort, 1895 is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complimentary moulding and finished with linen-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.