Fête de Neuilly 1909 Original Poster
In the summertime many French cities and towns hold annual Fêtes or Celebrations, many with traditions dating back a hundred years or more. The Fête de Neuilly, also known as the Fête à Neu-Neu, was established by Napoleon I in 1815, in the Parisian suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. This poster, created by Ferdinand Mifliez (aka Misti) advertises the Fête de Neuilly of 1909. Misti was an accomplished painter who exhibited regularly in Paris salons, but he was most proud of his poster designs. Throughout the 1890s his posters all bear the imprint ''Affiches Misti.'' Some of his largest clients were department stores, bicycle companies and, after 1900, La Fête de Neuilly. His posters often featured beautiful, stylish women. Misti is often compared to both Jules Chéret, for the lightness and grace of his touch, and to Leonetto Cappiello, for his use of bold strokes and outlines. He is considered one of the greatest artists of his day. The 1909 Fête de Neuilly program included the grand walk of