May Belfort 1895

This poster was created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, likely using lithography – a printmaking technique that relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The design is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treated to accept ink only in those areas. Lautrec was fascinated by the world of Parisian nightlife. Here, he captures the performer May Belfort, known for her unique act of singing while cradling a black cat. The flat planes of color, bold outlines, and simplified forms are characteristic of the printmaking process. The color is striking and the overall effect is one of immediacy, perfect for advertising a popular entertainer. Lautrec elevated poster design to an art form. His embrace of commercial work reflects a blurring of boundaries between fine art and the graphic arts. His art reveals how making and materials shape our understanding of culture and its social dynamics.