Yes, we can-can: From Olympics to Paris of the Belle Epoque

As Olympics draw to a close in Paris, Des O'Sullivan looks at the world's most famous lithograph by Montmartre artist Toulouse-Lautrec

'Jane Avril au Divan Japonais' by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

No one captured the excitement and innovation of the Paris of the Belle Epoque quite like the great chronicler of Montmartre nightlife Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. A key work by the artist, Jane Avril au Divan Japonais, will highlight the culmination of a series of auctions to coincide with Art Basel, Paris at Christie's on October 18. 

The Avant-Garde, including Thinking Italian, sale will include a preparatory study for the world's most famous and best-selling lithograph featuring the can-can dancer Jane Avril commissioned by Edouard Fournier for his cabaret of the same name.