Aristide Bruant

Singer of satirical songs and the owner of the cabaret Le Mirliton. Bruant wrote his own songs, which were of a coarse and politically indignant nature and addressed the living conditions of the poor in Paris.

Songs of a coarse and politically indignant nature
Bruant (1851-1925) was a singer of satirical songs and the owner of the cabaret Le Mirliton, which served as a rallying point for Lautrec and his circle from 1885 onwards. Bruant wrote his own songs, which were of a coarse and politically indignant nature and addressed the living conditions of the poor in Paris, opposing bourgeois highbrow culture. At the entryway of Le Mirliton was a sign: ”Le Mirliton – A meeting place for those who wish to be offended.”

Easily recognized by his red scarf
Lautrec depicted Bruant in several works; he is easily recognised by his red scarf and broad-brimmed hat.  Several of Lautrec’s works were exhibited at Le Mirliton, and he created illustrations for Bruant’s songs, which were in Le Mirliton, a magazine published and sold at the cabaret by Bruant.