French Belle Epoque Poster for ‘Théâtre de l’Opera’ by Jules Cheret, 1897

This is a stunning and exquisitely crafted French Belle Époque period advertising poster by Jules Chéret, a celebrated artist who is considered to be the father of the modern poster. At the turn of the century, an image would frequently be created for a season of the opera, with lettering added later for each individual show. This image was used during the 1897-1898 season at the Théâtre de l’Opera and this particular poster is for the fourth masked gala. It features all of the hallmarks of a Chéret masterpiece: bright lively colors, dynamic lines and a dominant sense of gaiety and vitality.

This stone lithograph was printed by Chaix, Atelier Cheret, Paris, 1897.