Fete de Charite | Maitre de L’Affiche: Plate #161

This artwork is from Les Maitres de L’Affiche series; miniature versions of outstanding stone lithograph artworks of the most important advertising posters by the finest artists.
Text reads, ‘Charity ball given at the Tracadero Palace, May 27, 1893, for the benefit of the Aid Society for Families of Shipwrecked Sailors; 87 rue Richelieu (Paris) Founded by Mr. Alfred de Courcy’
“Once more, Cheret is called upon to promote a fundraising event for the families of drowned French sailors (see Pl.89). Even more so than in the previous poster, it offers little comfort, only a direct, mournful appeal for assistance. Not only did Cheret create this resonating poster, he also served as a committee member for the event” (Rennert, PAI-XXXVII, 256)
A deeply disturbing poster, done in somber tones, that shows a young boy and mother crying over the body of a shipwrecked sailor, presumably the boy’s father. Behind them rescuers work to save the men from a shipwreck, while the sea rages mercilessly. It appears to be the second half of the story, from another poster for the same charity by Cheret, see PL.89. This design is in stark contrast to the bright dancing beauties we expect from Cheret.