The artwork entitled “At the Foot of the Scaffold” is a creation by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, dating from the year 1893. It is representative of the Art Nouveau movement and categorically serves the purposes of a poster. Presently, the work is housed within a private collection and embodies the modern stylistic tendencies of its era, leveraging visual elements associated with the Art Nouveau style.
The artwork is a stark and provocative composition, as Toulouse-Lautrec was adept at creating compelling and often controversial pieces that captured the attention of the public. The central figure appears to be a caricatured man in profile, his features exaggerated and his expression bearing a grimace, which boldly dominates the composition. He is rendered in bold outlines and a limited color palette that emphasizes the emotional intensity of the scene. This figure is set against a background that includes a row of people and the ominous silhouette of what may be a guillotine, situating the subject at the center of a dramatic narrative. The text “Le Matin” prominently features at the top in a striking, decorative font typical of the Art Nouveau style. This suggests that the poster may have been an advertisement or a publication cover, engaging viewers with its dramatic imagery and bold typography. Additional text, “au Pied de L’Échafaud, mémoires de l’Abbé Faure,” informs the viewer of the literary work or event being advertised, offering an authentic glimpse into the culture of the late 19th century.
