Toulouse-Lautrec:
The Chap Book (before text)
Click on the poster for a larger reproduction

THIS is Lautrec's poster for the Anglo-American magazine The Chap Book, from the small edition printed without text for collectors.

The artist inscribed this impression to his printer, Henri Stern.

During 1895 and '96, Lautrec represented the Irish and American Bar five times. It was patronized by the horse racing set as well as coachmen such as the Rothschilds' driver Tom, who is shown here as the liveried man in full-face at the bar. Also pictured is Ralph the bartender, a San Franciscan of Chinese and native North American descent. Located at 33 rue Royale, the bar was one of Lautrec's haunts, where he would sit at his reserved table and have "night cups" or "rainbow cups" concocted by Ralph.

The Chap Book (before text)
1895; Desloge 96; W P18a; D 362
Lithograph in five colors. 16 x 23 5/8 inches.
No. 51 of 100 impressions before text.
Stamped with red monogram and inscribed to Stern.
Gift of the Baldwin M. Baldwin Foundation, 1987:87

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