Full size (variation) sold for $ 41,400 US
Poster Auctions International, N.Y. May 2000.

Misia Natanson
"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 Misia 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)
|