60

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

1864-1901

May Belfort. 1895.

Condition B+: expertly-repaired tears at edges, one slightly into upper image; minor replaced losses and creases at edges. Matted and framed.

May Belfort was an Irish performer who amused Lautrec with a singing act that went, "I've got a little cat, I'm very fond of that." The artist, who was known to suddenly go crazy for someone who amused or distracted him, was so delighted by this ridiculous act that he designed a poster for her. It is a sensitive piece that shows far more artistry than one would normally expect to see in a commercial assignment. He uses an oblique line to create the illusion of a stage, a flat red for her gown that catches the eye, and delicate paintbrush, crachis and pen work to help create a sensitive portrait. It is a delicate image that shows Lautrec at his best.

Delteil 354 II, Adriani 126 IV, Wittrock P 14 B.
31½x24½ inches, 80x62¼ cm. Kleinmann, Paris.

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May 21, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
New York, NY, US

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