Full size (variation) sold for $ 41,400 US Poster Auctions International,
N.Y. May 2000. "This design advertised the fortnightly 'La Revue Blanche'
avant-garde artistic and literary periodical that was founded in Belgium in 1889
by the Natanson brothers and moved to Paris when they did. There, they were among
the first to recognize Toulouse-Lautrec's unconventional genius, and freely published
his drawings in the magazine. They also became friends socially, and the artist
became a frequent participant in the intimate gatherings at the home of one of
the brothers, Thadee Natanson, whose wife Misa enjoyed the company of stimulating
intellectuals, artists, and writers. It is Misa we see in this poster, and her
rather unusual stance is explained by the fact that she is actually on skates.
As one of the movers and shakers among the literary set, Misia was the most emancipated
women of her generation. Toulouse-Lautrec, who could be mercilessly scathing,
pays her homage with an entirely sympathetic portrayal" (Gold
p.68) "Many people feel (this poster) is
(Toulouse-Lautrec's) strongest individual work" (Frey
p.408) |