Showmen | Maitre de L’Affiche: Bonus Plate G

This artwork is from Les Maitres de L’Affiche series; miniature versions of outstanding stone lithograph artworks by the finest most important advertising posters artists.
An original design by Ibels, in which he has chosen a favorite subject, the Showmen. Expertly drawn, the smiling strongmen appear perfectly at ease on display upon the stage. A very slight use of red and green make us forget that we are not looking at a full colour artwork. This is a wonderful example of the genius of Ibels.
Subscribers to the Maitre de l’Affiche series received four special plates annually. These premium original lithographs, each an original design, were created specifically for this series, and are not seen in any other format, unlike the regular plates, which are reduced versions of larger posters.
We are most fortunate to have had the inclusion of the Special Plates (Sp), as each one is a true example of the artist’s creativity and skill. The artist is unencumbered with a product or service to advertise, and can express himself more freely, demonstrating his drawing ability, the essence of graphic art, with only one or two colours. For many collectors these unique Special Plates are more desirable than any of the regular plates.