Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) suffered a number of congenital health problems that led to the inability of his legs to heal properly after he fractured his thigh bones in his teens. Often mocked for his appearance, he chose to focus on his art and found comfort in the nightlife of Paris — his works often depicting lively nightclub and bar scenes of Montmartre.
When the Moulin Rouge cabaret opened, Toulouse-Lautrec was commissioned to design the nightclub's posters. He became fascinated by cabaret dancers, often using them as his subjects to create what are now iconic works.
Included in this show are a number of the artist's representative pieces, but there are also other drawings and paintings — such as landscapes of his home town and depictions of his family and friends — that show another side to the artist who is usually remembered for his short-lived and rather decadent lifestyle; till Dec. 25.
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo; (03) 5777-8600; 2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku; 3-min walk from Exit B7 of Hibiya Station, Toei Mita Line. 5-min walk from Marunouchi Minami Exit of Tokyo Station, JR lines. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wed., Thu. and Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue., Sat., Sun. and national holidays. ¥1,300. Closed Mon. www.mimt.jp.
