Les Maîtres de l'Affiche
At the end of the 19th century, the public's passion for posters was at its height. Across Europe, many collectors were fighting over posters of all formats and demanding special editions or additional copies.
In response to this craze, Jules Chéret founded 'Les Maîtres de l'Affiche' in 1896. He chose famous posters and printed them in lithography, on a thick paper of about 29 x 40 cm. This small-format publication, easy to collect, was the logical consequence of the collection-mania that was going through the Belle Epoque. It allowed amateurs to admire and acquire the most beautiful European and American graphic works.
In December 1894, Sarah Bernhardt asked Mucha to design the poster for Gismonda, a play she was to perform at the Théâtre de la Renaissance. On the 1st January, the walls of Paris were covered with large posters for the famous actress's show.
The Mucha posters were so popular that passers-by were quick to cut them out! Sarah Bernardt then signed Mucha to a six-year contract, during which time he produced some of his most famous posters, including La Samaritaine, Lorenzaccio, La Dame aux camélias, La Samaritaine and Medea.
Plate 144, La Dame aux camélias, 1898
Our work consists in safekeeping the artistic heritage of advertising that we consider as a sociological trace of the twentieth century civilization. Our restoration studio proposes unique know-how in the conservation of old paper, of museum mounting and restoration of vintage poster. If you have an original old poster, Galerie 1 2 3 Studio is at your service.
The posters we propose are veritable pieces of historic heritage, which have a collector’s value. We offer a service of authenticity and original vintage poster certification and propose detailed condition reports including an Official Certificate of authenticity.
