The Photographer Sescau (1894)

"The Photographer Sescau" (1894) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is a vibrant and attention-grabbing lithograph that captures the spirit of Paris's bohemian lifestyle at the turn of the century. This artwork serves as an advertisement for Paul Sescau, a photographer known to be a friend of Toulouse-Lautrec, emphasizing his profession through bold lettering and distinctive imagery.In the lithograph, a flamboyantly dressed woman with swirling, richly patterned garments in red and orange hues commands immediate visual attention. Her expression, mischievous and confident, draws the viewer into the scene. Adjacent to her is the figure of a photographer, presumably Sescau himself, bent over a large camera mounted on a tripod. His posture suggests concentration and careful attention to his subject, which humorously contrasts with the elaborate, almost theatrical pose of the woman.Set against a muted olive-green background, the text "9, Place Pigalle" locates Sescau's studio in the vibrant heart of Paris, an area known for its artistic and nocturnal activities. Toulouse-Lautrec's choice of colors, the dynamic positioning of the figures, and the playful interplay of text and image not only create a visually engaging composition but also effectively communicate the unique characteristics of Sescau's photographic service.