Théâtre de l’Opéra – Jules Chéret, 1897

Advertising poster for the ball at the “Théâtre de l’Opéra” in Paris, colour lithograph designed by Jules Chéret, printed by…

Advertising poster for the ball at the “Théâtre de l’Opéra” in Paris, colour lithograph designed by Jules Chéret, printed by Chaix in 1897. Backed with linen. Size: approx. 124 x 89 cm.

Starting in 1892 Chéret took on the commission to advertise the masked balls held every season at the Théâtre de l’Opéra. He executed a different poster for them almost every year through 1898.

Frequently these images were printed without text, so that throughout the season separate imprints (bearing different dates and venues, as four balls were held each year) could be added to the posters. The image is perfectly laid out, combining elegance, romance, charm, beauty and sex appeal in a light-hearted, lively manner.

The eye mask does nothing to conceal the charm of this lovely reveler whose dazzle throws all other participants into shadowy insignificance.

Jules Chéret (1836-1932) was the first to create colour posters, vibrant designs for cabaret, variety and theater such as Olympia, Folies Bergères and Moulin Rouge. Later he expanded his work to create advertisements for all kinds of products. He is seen as the father of modern lithography and advertising posters.

Focusing on image rather than text, Chéret revolutionized the way posters were designed. He believed that a poster should not necessarily show a product, it was merely important that it generated a positive reaction from the viewer.

With his large posters depicting free-thinking ladies, he instigated the emancipation of women. Before Chéret, women were usually depicted either as prostitutes, or as Puritan. His so-called ‘Chrérettes’ were neither. It was noticeably liberating for the women of Paris, who were now allowed to wear décolletage and smoke in public.

Today, Chéret is one of the most collected artists of the Belle Époque.

Price: Euro 2.150,-