The turn of the 19th century and the popularization of lithography mark a turning point in art history, with the development of posters, sitting right between advertising and artistic practice. Little by little, this new form of expression becomes the favorite playground for certain artists, among whom one figure has become quite emblematic: Toulouse-Lautrec. With around a hundred pieces, Caumont – Centre d’Art invites you to step into the universe of this unique painter, a true witness of his time.
The King of Montmartre
When we think of posters from the Belle Époque, certain images immediately spring to mind. The Chat Noir by Steinlen, the Sarah Bernhardt pieces by Mucha, and of course, Toulouse-Lautrec's posters. From the Divan Japonais to the Ambassadeurs, all the way to the famous Moulin Rouge, the painter, close friend of Bonnart, ...
(who introduces him to lithography), strolls through the cabarets, concert cafés, theaters, but also the brothels and the racetracks of Paris to capture the buzz of his time, especially from his neighborhood, Montmartre, of which he becomes one of the key figures. But beyond the places, it’s the bodies and faces that make up the rhythm of daily life in Paris that he aims to highlight through his compositions.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Icon Creator
As you stroll through the rooms of this new exhibition, Caumont – Centre d’Art shines a spotlight on the richness of Toulouse-Lautrec's work, showcasing his ability to harness the technologies of his time to deliver powerful images that continue to captivate over 100 years later. Some of these works are now part of the history of the capital, characterized by representations of ephemeral celebrities of the era, elevated to the status of timeless icons by the artist. Through a vibrant staging, the institution invites the outdoor paintings, intimate and sensitive, to interact with iconic posters, illustrating the painter's ability to represent humanity by shedding the superfluous and focusing on what truly matters. Here, a pair of gloves, a scarf, or a glance become the remnants of an era.It evolves, yet it still continues to resonate on paper.
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Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Divan Japonais, 1892-1893 © Peter Schälchli
Toulouse-Lautrec. Creator of Icons
Caumont – Centre d’Art
3, rue Joseph Cabassol – Aix-en-Provence
From April 24 to October 4, 2026
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