The artwork entitled “Debauchery (second floor)” is a poster created by the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. This piece is part of the Art Nouveau movement, characterized by its modern style and often used for decorative purposes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The genre of the artwork falls under the category of posters, which were commonly used for advertisement and promotional activities during that era.
The artwork itself features two figures, intimately positioned, against a backdrop dominated by a warm, reddish hue. The central figure, presumably a woman based on the visual characteristics, is depicted reclining with a relaxed posture, her torso bare and her legs draped in dark stockings. Her head is adorned with an upstyled hair with a distinct orange tint, and her expression seems indifferent to her surroundings. The second figure, more subdued in appearance and only partially visible behind the first, appears to be resting against the central figure in a languid embrace.
The composition of the poster is accompanied by text that reads “Catalogue d’Affiches artistiques A. Arnould – rue Racine Paris,” which indicates that the artwork was intended to serve as an advertisement for an artistic poster catalog available from A. Arnould, located on rue Racine in Paris. The use of loose, flowing lines and the incorporation of text within the artwork are hallmarks of the Art Nouveau style, which Toulouse-Lautrec mastered and utilized effectively in his advertising posters.
The artist’s monogram ‘HTL’ can be found near the lower-right corner of the artwork, serving as a subtle but definitive signature of his creative work. Overall, this poster is a fine example of Toulouse-Lautrec’s ability to meld artistry with commercial appeal, a skill that made him a prominent figure in the Parisian art and nightlife scene of his time.
