The boldest artist of the Belle Époque was Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
He didn’t paint polite portraits or quiet landscapes.
He captured movement. Laughter. Attitude. And all the color and energy of Paris nightlife.
From the Moulin Rouge to circus performers, Toulouse-Lautrec turned everyday entertainment into fine art and helped shape the modern poster along the way.
That’s why he’s one of our 35 featured Masters.
Because his work is fun, dynamic, and packed with creative possibility.
Your students will love learning about:
- The history of poster art and design
- The connection between movement and shape
- How line and repetition create rhythm
- What made his cabaret scenes so iconic
Then they’ll create their own dance-inspired poster on paper, with crayon and tempera paint, just like Lautrec.
It’s the perfect mix of figure drawing, bold composition, and real-world design thinking.
And don’t worry, it’s simple to teach.
- We include age-appropriate levels from K–8+
- No drawing experience needed
- You get slides, scripts, warmups, and step-by-step guidance
- Students will feel confident and excited to show what they made
Whether your school has this unit already or you’re building your art program piece by piece, Toulouse-Lautrec brings something special to the classroom.
Joy. Color. Movement. And a new appreciation for what art can capture.
Want to see the results?
Peek inside our student gallery and see what other schools have created.
Bring the spirit of Paris to your classroom without leaving your seat.
Creatively yours,
Meet the Masters
Inspire – Educate – Create
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