113 Elsa la Viennoise. 1897. Lithograph. 387... Lot 113

113 Elsa la Viennoise. 1897. Lithograph. [387 x 560]. Delteil 207; Wittrock 180. Beautiful proof on chine volant, signed in pencil in the lower left corner, with the red stamp of the publisher G. Pellet (Lugt 1190) and numbered by him (N° 4). Very rare: 17 proofs (9 of which are in public collections according to Wittrock). Ex-coll. Alfred von Heymel (Lugt 2861b). 50 000 - 60 000 € A proof slightly shorter in margins than the dimensions given by Wittrock (400 x 580 mm), slightly trimmed. Numerous and important epidermal marks at the edges of the folio on the reverse side (the print having been previously detached from a frame support), visible only by transparency (imperceptible on the front side). Tiny tear at the head of the leaf in the centre. Small folds and curls at the height of the mounting tabs at the right edge of the sheet. "Heymel (he did not use the particle "von") owned a fine collection of modern prints and ex-libris, including etchings by H. Vogeler, precious proofs by Toulouse-Lautrec, among which unique states (Heymel published in the 2nd edition of H. Esswein's book, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Munich 1912, a study on the graphic work of this artist) and a fine set of Japanese woods. "(Fondation Custodia, Frits Lugt Collection, www.marquesdecollection.fr). According to Adhémar, Elsa la Viennoise was "a boarder - it is said - at the Rue des Moulins" (p. XXVI). La Fleur Blanche, also known as "rue des Moulins", was one of the most luxurious brothels in the capital. It featured the mahogany bed of La Païva and themed rooms (torture room, Hindu room, etc.). At the time, Lautrec practically took up residence in the place. In 1894, he painted the famous canvas Au salon de la rue des Moulins (Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, Albi).