Maitres De L'Affiche - Pl 93 Camille Stefani by Cheret

Maîtres de l'Affiche (Masters of the Poster) refers to 256 color lithographic plates used to create an art publication during the Belle Époque in Paris, France. The collection, reproduced from the original works of ninety-seven artists in a smaller 11 x 15-inch format, was put together by Jules Chéret, the father of poster art and distributed between 1895 – 1900. The varied selection of prints was sold in packages of four and delivered monthly to subscribers. Designed for a subscription audience, the publication showcased the most influential posters of the era in a collectible small format. This poster by Jules Cheret titled "Camille Stefani" shows the elegantly dressed actress acknowledging praise from an audience after the conclusion of a stage production. Cheret demonstrates his influence of Rococo through the decoration of Stefani’s dress and the swift, playful dark blue brushstrokes that compose the background of the poster. Jules Chéret (1836-1932) was known as the "Father