Maitres de L'Affiche - Pl 91 Paul Hankar Architecte

Maîtres de l'Affiche (Masters of the Poster) refers to 256 color lithographic plates used to create an art publication during the Belle Époque in Paris, France. The collection, reproduced from the original works of ninety-seven artists in a smaller 11 x 15 inch format, was put together by Jules Chéret, the father of poster art and distributed between 1895 and 1900. The varied selection of prints were sold in packages of four and delivered monthly to subscribers. Designed for a subscription audience it showcased the most influential posters of the era in a collectible small format.
This poster was designed by Paul Crespin (1859 – 1944) for his good friend the Art Nouveau architect Paul Hanker (1859-1901). Hanker is shown plying his craft in his studio at 63 rue de Facqz. Fully absorbed in the act of creating, he stands in a relaxed pose, his slippered feet quaintly crossed, lazy curl of smoke rising from his cigarette. The tools of Hankar's profession, T-squares, ruler, plumb line, become decorative framing elements. The elegant honeycomb of hexagons serves as a literal and figurative support for the architect's beige silhouette. The bees allude, no doubt, to Hankar's prodigious output. This poster was acclaimed in 1897 by the French art critic and poster artist Alexandre Demeure de Beaumont to be 'perfect' and 'among the best, if not the best of Crespin.' The watercolour preparatory work is preserved at the Musee d'Ixelles in Brussels"(Brussels, p.72)
This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is printed on heavy weight paper and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.