Vintage Posters Created by Toulouse-Lautrec and Jules Chéret Come to Sale With Swann Auction Galleries

French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a renowned painter, draughtsman, caricaturist, illustrator, and printmaker. Inspired by the vibrant theatrical life in Paris during the late 19th century, Toulouse-Lautrec created stimulating images of the period. Aristide Bruant, a French cabaret artist and nightclub owner, was his foremost friend. In 1885, Toulouse-Lautrec started exhibiting his works at Bruant’s cabaret. Lautrec also designed some noteworthy music hall posters for Bruant. One such iconic 1892 poster, titled Ambassadeurs / Aristide Bruant, is a key highlight of the upcoming Swann Auction Galleries event. Executed with bold colors, it depicts Bruant wearing his signature red scarf, black hat, and cape. Bruant was famous for his unrestrained attitude on stage, and Toulouse-Lautrec aptly portrayed his imposing personality.

Another significant lot is Adolphe Mouron Cassandre’s Grand – Sport La Casquette (1925). The fashion advertising poster is clearly influenced by Cubism with its geometric approach. Particularly noteworthy is his airbrush treatment bordering the solid colors, something that went on to become his signature style. Jules Chéret’s Les Arts (1891), comprising four decorative panels, also leads the listings. The rare piece celebrates Chéret’s color lithography skills with its freewheeling composition and no inscription added. Visit Swann Auction Galleries to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Vintage Posters sale. Find more auction previews and news on Auction Daily.