For You!… (fromThe Old Tales) 1893

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec created this lithograph titled 'For You!…' as part of 'The Old Tales'. As an artist, Toulouse-Lautrec was fascinated by the theater and nightlife of Montmartre, often depicting performers, prostitutes, and other marginal figures. This print, with its theatrical setting and characters, is infused with the spirit of French cabaret culture. The print depicts Flauke holding what appears to be a conductor’s baton, while behind him stands a devil-like figure. There's a tension between Flauke’s poised demeanor and the sinister presence lurking behind him. This tension underscores the dualities of performance. The devilish figure in the background hints at a darker, more chaotic underbelly. The print captures something fundamental about the human condition. Lautrec’s work invites us to look beyond the surface of societal spectacle, probing the depths of human emotion and experience.