1895
This poster was one of many featuring the can-can dancer called Jane Avril. She could be considered as Toulouse-Lautrec's muse: he followed her to every show, using her as a model for nearly all of his artworks. At the time, it was considered controversial to paint women of the Red Light District: entertainers, strippers, dancers, etc. However, this is where all the best bars were, and Toulouse-Lautrec, being an alcoholic, found this was where he spent most of his time.
- What can you compare this too? What other subjects are still taboo?
- Can you imagine that the Troupe de Mlle Eglantine could be compared to Playboy today?
- Have you seen the movie Moulin Rouge? In what way is this situation similar, or different?
