At the Moulin Rouge, La Goulue and Her Sister

"At the Moulin Rouge, La Goulue and Her Sister" is a significant 1892 color lithograph created by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, French, 1864-1901. This large-scale print, executed on tan wove paper, exemplifies the artist’s mastery of the graphic arts during the Post-Impressionism period in France. Lautrec, who immersed himself in the nightlife of Montmartre, utilized the developing medium of color lithography to capture the dynamic energy of Parisian cabarets, fundamentally shaping the visual aesthetic of the fin-de-siècle.

The complexity of producing a work like this lies in the precise layering of inks required for color lithography, a demanding technique 1864-1901 helped elevate to high art. The subject matter centers on Louise Weber, known professionally as La Goulue ("The Glutton"), the most famous cancan dancer at the Moulin Rouge, depicted alongside her sister. This piece provides an intimate, unidealized view of celebrity culture, moving beyond the traditional constraints of academic painting. Lautrec’s composition employs sharp angles and strong outlines, drawing heavily from Japanese woodblock ukiyo-e prints, demonstrating the international influences shaping Post-Impressionism.

This work is reflective of the profound cultural shifts occurring in late 19th century France, where commercial posters and artistic expression began to merge. The print captures La Goulue's imposing presence, contrasting her flamboyant, public persona with the casualness of her off-stage moments. The bold application of line and color in this piece established a new visual language for modern advertising. Today, the continued study of these foundational prints remains important for understanding the transition to modern graphic design. The work resides within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, often made available in the public domain for scholarly research and appreciation.