Description:This is a somewhat satirical and sarcastic portrayal of the “German Babylon,” referenced in Victor Joze’s novel of the same title. Toulouse-Lautrec was commissioned to illustrate this series of tales on the government of Germany during the late 1800s. Causing a controversy and international stir upon its release, the novel was recognized by the Parisian artists at the time. Toulouse-Lautrec has transformed the viewer into part of this street scene, overlooking a seemingly lively parade full of pomp and circumstance exhibited by the German army. Here, a German officer is riding past on his majestic white horse, as the magnificence of the crowd and surrounding officers are seen in the background.
Created in 1894, this work is signed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864 – 1901) in the stone and also dated in the lower left. Features his signature monogram stamp (Lugt 1338) just below his hand signature. Printed by Chaix, its name and address is featured along the lower left margin. According to Wittrock, this is the State B impression from the key stone printed in olive-green; color stones include yellow, red, and black with additional stone in dark blue for the added text. Commissioned by Polish writer, Victor Joze and is featured in 21 public collections including the Kunsthalle in Bremen, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work) :
1. Adhémar, J. Toulouse-Lautrec: His Complete Lithographs and Drypoints, Harry N. Abrams: New York. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 68 in the foldout appendix and illustrated as plate 68.
2. Adriani, G. (1988) . Toulouse-Lautrec, The Complete Graphic Works, A Catalogue Raisonné. Thames & Hudson: London. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 58 on pgs. 96-7.
3. Delteil, L. (1920) . H. de Toulouse-Lautrec, Première Partie. Chez l’Auteur: Paris. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 76.
4. Feinblatt, E. & Davis, B. (1985) . Toulouse-Lautrec and His Contemporaries: Posters of the Belle Epoque. Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Los Angeles. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 13.
5. Lugt, Frits. Les Marques de Collections de Dessins & d’Estampes, Vereenigde Drukkerijen: Amsterdam, 1921. Monogram stamp ‘HLT’ listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1338 on pg 240.
6. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. (1985) . Henri de Toulouse-Lautrect, Images of the 1890s. Castleman, R. & Wittrock, W. (Eds.) . Little, Brown and Company: Boston. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 263 on pg. 232 and illustrated on pg. 234.
7. Toulouse-Lautrec. (1967) . National Museum, Stockholm. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 57 on pg. 36.
8. Wittrock, W. (1985) . Toulouse-Lautrec The Complete Prints, Vol. I. Kuehn, C. (Ed.) . Philip Wilson Publishers Limited: London. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. P12 on pgs. 778-9.
About the Framing:
This work is set in a fabulous Baroque-inspired, gold leaf frame with organic, sculptural detailing. The bright highlights throughout the frame contrasts with the dark, expressive strokes of Babylone d’Allemagne. The ornate sculptural elements compliment the loose linear quality of this image and create a focal point on this piece.
