These antique prints are a window into 19th century Parisian life

Image: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s December 1891 poster for the dance hall Le Moulin Rouge. Three thousand copies of this advertisement were displayed in the streets of Paris, making Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec famous overnight, and seen as one of the greatest print designers of all time.

 

From the Moulin Rouge to café concerts, these culturally rich prints of Paris from 1890 to 1905 have been collected for the Van Gogh Museum’s upcoming exhibition.

 

By Miriam Harris | on January 18, 2017

 

Printmaking in Paris was at its highpoint from 1890 to 1905 – a time in which prints were raised to the level of high art and only seen in private collections, theatres and exclusive galleries – but also decorated the city’s boulevards and cafe walls. Prints were designed for elite private collectors, but also for the masses.

It was a unique time where avant-garde art was combined with the everyday life of modern Parisians. Artists not only threw themselves into the work of high art, but also what was considered lower art forms – such as decorative designs, prints, posters and magazine illustrations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued…

http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/printing/these-antique-french-prints-are-window-into-19th-century-parisian-life/