Moulin Rouge, La Goulue 1891

This lithographic poster, Moulin Rouge: La Goulue, by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, plunges us into the vibrant, yet complex world of late 19th-century Montmartre. Lautrec, often an outsider due to his physical disabilities, was drawn to the marginalized figures of Parisian nightlife. Here, he immortalizes La Goulue, a can-can dancer who became a sensation at the Moulin Rouge. This wasn't just entertainment; it was a space where class boundaries blurred, albeit temporarily and often superficially. The poster embodies the intoxicating allure of the Moulin Rouge, promising "Concert Bal, Tous Les Soirs." The artist offers a glimpse into the lives of those who lived outside societal norms. Lautrec’s poster invites us to consider the narratives of those who found community and expression in the city's underbelly. It is a reminder that art can be both a reflection of society and a refuge from it.