The artwork titled “Le Divan Japonais” is a lithographic poster by the renowned artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, created in the period between 1892 and 1893. Measuring 80.8 cm by 60.8 cm, this piece is an exemplary demonstration of the Art Nouveau movement, known for its Modern style. Entrusted to the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris, the poster is a celebrated piece that embodies the vibrant atmosphere of Parisian nightlife during the fin de siècle.
“Le Divan Japonais” is a striking composition that captures the viewer’s attention with its bold outlines and vivid contrast of colors. The artwork presents a scene from the eponymous Parisian entertainment venue, which was known for its variety shows and concerts. At the center of the composition is a fashionable woman, dressed in a black dress with a low neckline and an elaborate feathered hat, who is seated in profile, looking towards the stage. She holds a thin cigarette in her hand, adding to the air of sophistication and the leisurely culture of the café society.
In the poster’s background is a simplistically depicted stage, upon which a female singer is captured in the spotlight, the rapt attention of the audience reflected in the dark silhouettes that surround her. The singer’s figure is stylized and her enthusiastic performance is indicated by the raised arm posture. Adjacent to the central female figure is the caricatured profile of a man, possibly representing the spectator’s gaze drawn towards the stage or conversing with other attendees.
The poster also includes Japanese-inspired elements, as suggested by the artwork’s title, which was a popular stylistic theme in the Art Nouveau period, often referred to as Japonism. These design influences are subtly integrated into the contours and flat areas of color, aligning with the contemporary fascination with Japanese art and design. Typography is embedded artfully within the poster, showcasing the venue’s name and the director, Ed Fournier, tying together the overall design. Overall, the artwork conveys the ebullience and the cultural milieu of 19th century Paris through Toulouse-Lautrec’s distinctive artistic lens.
