La Revue Blanche 1895

This is Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s poster, “La Revue Blanche,” a lithograph advertising a prominent Parisian magazine. The late 19th century was a moment of burgeoning print culture, and posters were a key means by which artists and businesses sought to capture the attention of a rapidly expanding urban audience. Lautrec's poster reflects the societal position of women in the Belle Époque, particularly those associated with artistic and intellectual circles. The woman’s direct gaze asserts a form of agency but the image doesn’t fully resist the male gaze. The Revue Blanche was known for its progressive stance, publishing works by feminist authors and addressing social issues. The poster embodies a tension between aesthetic elegance and commercial intent. In many ways, it transcends its original purpose to become a study of identity, class, and the burgeoning consumer culture of its time.