When he starred at the Ambassadeurs in 1892, he insisted that the director cover the whole cabaret with copies of this poster designed by Lautrec, and to post it as an advertisement all over Paris. In doing this, Bruant contributed greatly to Lautrec's popularity, as well as his own.

As you can see from the photograph, Lautrec's poster captures perfectly the confident swagger of this consummate showman, displaying his trademark broad-brimmed hat and staff. The key dramatic element of the composition, however, is Bruant's romantically defiant red scarf (which is less visible in the black and white photograph).