31x23 1/2 inches, 78 3/4x59 3/4 cm. Chaix, Paris. Condition A- / B+: repaired tears, minor restoration and creases at edges; hinged to mat on verso; mounted on Japan. Matted and framed.
In many ways, both Lautrec and Bruant owed their success in part to each other. In 1892, Lautrec designed Ambassadeurs, one of the most enduring images of the performer, which captures his famed arrogance. The cabaret star loved the image, and Bruant in turn became one of Lautrec's best clients, commissioning three additional posters from him. This poster shows the combined insolence of Bruant and Lautrec. The performer, dressed in his trademark black velvet suit, hat and boots, doesn't even deign to face the public and his viewers. Through Lautrec's genius, the performer still remains immediately recognizable. "This poster was printed with three different texts, and also used on the cover of Le Mirliton . . . [this variation advertises] Bruant's second volume of songs and monologues . . . Interestingly Bruant chose Steinlen to illustrate both books but still turned to Lautrec for the poster to advertise it, astutely sensing the difference between Steinlen's more narrative, illustrative style and Lautrec's bold graphic language" (Montmartre p. 93). This is a variant of the Fourth State, with the addition of red tint in cuffs and collar. This state includes the olive green lettering, not designed by Lautrec. Adriani 57-IV, Wittrock P10C, Delteil 349 III, DFP-II 831 (var), Wine Spectator 47.
