Original Maitres store de l'Affiche Plate 30, Gigolette by Albert Guillaume

Artist Albert Guillaume
Title Gigolette
Plate 30
Year 1896
Size 15 1/2 in x 10 5/8 in
Condition Very Good - Maitre is linen backed to protect the print

The Belle Epoque in Paris toward the end of the 19th Century was a time when the arts in general flourished. Posters advertising department stores, books, magazines, the theatre and so much more were plastered all around the city. Jules Cheret - known as the father of poster art - partnered with the Chaix Printing Firm and put together a lithograph subscription business that consisted of 256 color lithographs reproduced in a smaller size format from the original art of 97 artists. It was known as Les Maitres de l'Affiche (The Masters of the Poster) which were delivered in packages of four different lithographs to subscribers in the years 1895-1900. This smaller format (11 x 15 inches) quickly attracted a broad following of art lovers and became popular as highly collectable given their smaller size.

The poster Ambigu Comique, which is the name of a theater, and Gigolette the star performer, was designed by Albert Guillaume in 1894. The Maitre was printed by Chaix Imprimerie and issued July 8th, 1896.

This is an original vintage lithograph with a seal of authenticity which can be seen in the lower right corner. The left side border of the Maitre has been shaved a bit while the poster image itself remains in excellent condition. Vintage Fine Arts guarantees the authenticity store of all posters, prints and lithographs we offer for sale.