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.

Henri-Gabriel Ibels (1867-1936) was an influential French artist of the Belle Epoque. Alongside artist friends such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Pierre Bonnard, Ibels captured the exciting underground world of entertainment and city life in turn of the century Paris. Much like his contemporaries, Ibels was influenced by Japanese woodblock prints which had begun to appear in the West at this time. Simplified forms, flattened planes of color, and layered compositions appear often in his works. These innovative elements are on display in this piece, which is often considered his most impressive piece of art.

This image was created to promote a performance by Jules Mevisto (1857-1918) at the famous La Scala Theatre in Paris. Built in 1873 where another famous cafe-concert hall Le Cheval Blanc once stood, La Scala was unique for its high-end appeal. It featured a glass domed roof, lending an air of being outdoors. Mevisto was well-known throughout France as a star of song and stage. This poster depicts him in the country, likely a nod to the performance he was currently starring in at La Scala.

This is an original vintage print, not a reproduction. This poster is on heavyweight paper, and is in very good condition. There is some rough trim wear along the left margin of this poster. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.