The artwork titled “Babylon German by Victor Joze” is a creation of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, dated circa 1894. It is a poster executed on canvas, representing the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 124.5 cm by 87.6 cm. This illustrious piece is part of the collection housed at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork features a dynamic and striking composition, with bold uses of color and line that exemplify the aesthetics of the Art Nouveau period. In the foreground, a man in a red and white uniform is depicted riding a horse, turned slightly away from the viewer, giving an impression of movement and urgency. The sketchy lines and washed-out color palette in certain areas contrast with the solid colors and pronounced typography, creating a visually impactful design. The stark black lettering of “Babylon German” dominates the lower part of the poster, indicating the title of the work or event it advertises, with the author’s name, “Victor Joze,” featured prominently beneath it.
The lively figures in the background seem to be in motion, further contributing to the sensation of energy and fluidity within the scene. The juxtaposition of elegantly dressed individuals next to the uniformed figure highlights a narrative or thematic context for the advertised text, perhaps hinting at the content or setting of Victor Joze’s work. The interplay of text and image is a distinct characteristic of Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters, which were known for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Parisian life in the late 19th century.
