Description:This dazzling glimpse into opening night of the stage performance, Paris qui marche, highlights the famous duo of the Théâtre des Variétés: Guy and Mealy. Georges Guillaume Guy (1859 – 1917) is shown here, in an astute and demonstrative stance behind the vivacious actress, Juliette ‘Mealy’ Samany (1867 – 1951). Her elaborate boddess and beautiful headdress was all very distinctive of the Paris bohème and cabaret nightlife which Toulouse-Lautrec so often sought inspiration. She is dramatically lit from the stage lights below, and we can feel the energy and excitement she absorbs from her audience as she extends her right arm in an engaging, graceful gesture.
Created in 1898, this original crayon lithograph has been printed in dark violet on Japan paper and published by Boussod, Manzi, Joyant & Cie. Hand-signed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864 – 1901) in pencil in the lower right margin, ‘FLautrec’, with his signature monogram stamp in red in the lower left. This work is out of the total edition of 100 – less than half of these impressions feature this red monogram stamp, making this work very rare. Examples of this work are featured in public collections including the Kunsthalle in Hamburg and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
This Toulouse-Lautrec lithograph 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. (1951). Toulouse-Lautrec: His Complete Lithographs and Drypoints. Harry N. Abrams, Inc.: New York. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 304.
2) Adriani, G. (1988). Toulouse Lautrec: The Complete Graphic Works A Catalogue Raisonne. Thames & Hudson Ltd.: London. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 305 on pg. 372-3.
3) Delteil, L. (1920). H. de Toulouse-Lautrec, seconde partie. Chez l’Auteur: Paris. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 270.
4) Lugt, F. (1921). Les Marques de Collections de Dessins & d’Estampes. Vereenigde Drukkerijen: Amsterdam. Signature stamp listed and illustrated as cat. no. 1338 on pg. 240.
5) Wittrock, W. (1985). Toulouse-Lautrec The Complete Prints, Vol II. Sotheby’s Publications: New York. Listed and illustrated on pgs. 668-9 as catalogue raisonné no. 295.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with museum-quality, archival materials, this work is set in a beautiful Spanish-style moulding that gracefully complements this marvelous work. Its accented bronze moulding within the border of the frame contrasts nicely with the bold movements and brisk strokes within the piece. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.
