Maitres De L'Affiche - Pl 151 Eugenie Buffet

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.

In this image, the artist Leopold Stevens (1866 – 1935) uses soft styling to depict Parisian chanteuse Eugenie Buffet. Buffet was born in Algeria in 1866, and rose from poverty to become a national sensation in France in the years leading up to WWI. Her claim to fame was specializing in songs and acts focused on the daily tedium of working and middle class Parisians – a sharp contrast to the risqué and overly decadent cabaret style that prevailed at the time. She even was awarded the Legion of Honor for her work performing for free in the streets of Paris for those too poor to attend her shows. Stevens’ depiction of her in worker’s clothes in a street scene is most appropriate.

This is an original vintage poster, not a reproduction. This poster is on heavyweight paper, and is in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.