Towards the end of the 1880s, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec developed an interest in poster art. One of his most famous creations is the poster <em>Ambassadeurs, Aristide Bruant, Dans son Cabaret </em> (1892). The poster depicts a famous Parisian entertainer and Lautrec’s friend, Aristide Bruant, known for his provocative attitude, incisive gestures and abusive behaviour towards his audience. The cabaret where Bruant used to work in Montmartre was labelled: "<em>Le Mirliton, for Audiences that Enjoy Being Insulted</em>". Lautrec made the poster at Bruant’s request in order to advertise his move from Montmartre to <em>Café des Ambassadeurs</em> on the Champs-Élysées, where the new show would run.<br><br>Bruant was a popular figure, particularly amongst female audiences, who would gather excitedly to be seduced by his irritating argot. Lautrec depicted him at his most characteristic: baggy, black coat, wide-brimmed beret and red scarf. The poster overwhelmed the streets of Paris, making Bruant the face of the city.<br><br>Being a controversial personality and with his background in the infamous Montmartre entertainment scene, Bruant's poster created turbulence around the city. A journalist in La Vie Parissiene wrote: "Who will rid us of the picture of Aristide Bruant?". <br><br>However, this new art form, in spite of its offensive eroticism and affront to the bourgeoisie, spoke to the masses. The character of the seedy night entertainment was there for all to see: provocative and upfront, yet democratic.<br>