This poster of Jane Avril at full length was commissioned by the dancer herself at the beginning of 1899. Jane Avril, daughter of an aristocratic Italian émigré father and an alcoholic mother, was one of the stars of the quadrille at the Moulin Rouge. She intended to use her poster to publicise her American tour. For reasons no longer apparent, it was never used. Described by Adriani as 'one of Lautrec's most compelling colour posters', it was amongst the very last ones ever produced by the artist.
The present copy is a unique impression before letters which has been handcoloured by the artist, and dedicated to Henri Stern, the printer.