Maitres De L'Affiche - Pl 61 Paris Courses

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 – 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.

Jules Chéret (1836-1932) was known as the "Father of the Modern Poster." He was a French painter and lithographer who traveled to England as an apprentice and introduced the latest lithography techniques to French culture. Paired with his creativity and artistic flair, Chéret began creating advertisements for cabarets, music halls, and theaters. His artwork is typified by his influence of the Rococo movement to create vivid advertising, often featuring free-spirited young women that became known as "Chérettes." These figures have become quintessential Belle Epoque imagery. Chéret's posters earned him a gold medal at the Paris World's Fair in 1889. This particular advertisement crafted by Cheret announces that the grand prix of Paris’s nouveau (new) sport of horse racing will take place at Porte Maillot, one of Paris’s entry points in the 19th century. The word Hippodrome, as observed on the poster, is simply defined as the formal title of the stadium in which such races take place.

This is an original vintage print, not a reproduction. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our items. This poster is on heavyweight paper, and is in very good condition. There has been some very minor trimming done along the left edge of the poster. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.