Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, a post-impresstionist, was born into an aristocratic French family in 1864. cast out early in life because of a birth defect (likely the result of inbreeding), he found a home amongst the bohemian artists and performers in Montmartre. he made a living creating posters such as this one, which advertises a cabaret performance. all of western Europe was, at this point, enamored of Japanese culture, a result of the recent opening of Japan and an outpouring of Japanese goods.
Divan Japonais was painted in 1893 and is housed at the MFA Boston.
I've seen this image before (and others like it) and always wondered what was so appealing about them for many people. Considering it in the context of what you've said about Japanese influences due to the political opening of Japan and the functional purpose of the art, I'm really able to appreciate it a lot more. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
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