Henry Gabriel Ibels a French painter and graphic artist, studied at the Academie Julian. He was a founder member of The Nabis along with Vuillard, Denis, Bonnard, Ranson, Serusier and Roussel. He exhibited with the other members of the Nabis at their first exhibition in 1891. Working mainly in lithography especially in colour, he contributed to journals of the 1890’s including La Revue Blanche, L’Estampe Moderne, L’Estampe Original and to magazines including L’Assiette Au Beurre and many others. He was regarded at the time of being at least the equal of his friend Toulouse-Lautrec in original lithography and even collaborated with him in the album Le Cafe-Concert of 1893. He was also highly regarded as a poster artist especially with scenes depicting circus performers and clowns.