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Jules Cheret Original

Jules Cheret Original Charcoal and Graphite Drawing
Jules Cheret Original Charcoal and Graphite Drawing

Jules Cheret Original Charcoal and Graphite Drawing

By Jules Chéret

Located in Dallas, TX

Original charcoal drawing by Jules Chéret (1836–1932), portraying a cabaret dancer mid-movement, wearing a voluminous dress and elaborate hat.

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Drawings

Materials

Paper

1892 Halles Aux Chapeaux - Jules Cheret Original Vintage Poster
1892 Halles Aux Chapeaux - Jules Cheret Original Vintage Poster

1892 Halles Aux Chapeaux - Jules Cheret Original Vintage Poster

By Jules Chéret

Located in Winchester, GB

Stunning stone lithograph from the "Father of the modern poster" Jules Cheret for the Halle Aux Chapeaux on 17. Rue de Belleville in Paris. Translating as "Hall of Hats", the poster ...

Category

Antique 1890s French Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

Jules Cheret, Original Belle Epoque Poster, Saxoleine, Art Nouveau Oil Lamp 1895
Jules Cheret, Original Belle Epoque Poster, Saxoleine, Art Nouveau Oil Lamp 1895

Jules Cheret, Original Belle Epoque Poster, Saxoleine, Art Nouveau Oil Lamp 1895

By Jules Chéret

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Thanks to the light she comes to life and looks like La Loïe Fuller. Jules Chéret is considered the inventor of the colour advertising poster.

Category

Antique 1890s French Belle Époque Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Art Nouveau Poster, Cheret, Grevin Wax Museum Paris, Exhibition, c.1900
Original Art Nouveau Poster, Cheret, Grevin Wax Museum Paris, Exhibition, c.1900

Original Art Nouveau Poster, Cheret, Grevin Wax Museum Paris, Exhibition, c.1900

By Jules Chéret

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Additional Details: Materials and Techniques: Colour lithograph on paper Color: Multi-Color Region of Origin: France Framing: Unframed Style: Art Nouveau Theme: Advertising Type: Vin...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Posters

Materials

Paper

Jules Cheret Eldorado Art Nouveau Original Poster
Jules Cheret Eldorado Art Nouveau Original Poster

Jules Cheret Eldorado Art Nouveau Original Poster

By Jules Chéret

Located in Westport, CT

Art Nouveau Jules Cheret Eldorado Music Hall poster,linen backed and matted and framed in ornate Gilt washed frame

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Posters

Materials

Glass, Linen, Paper, Wood

"Quinquina Dubonnet" Original Jules Cheret Maitre de l'Affiche
"Quinquina Dubonnet" Original Jules Cheret Maitre de l'Affiche

"Quinquina Dubonnet" Original Jules Cheret Maitre de l'Affiche

By Jules Chéret

Located in Hinsdale, IL

CHERET, JULES (1836 - 1932) "Quinquina Dubonnet" Original lithograph from “Les Maitres de L’Affiche” series Printed by Imprimerie Chaix, Paris Bearing MDL stamp lower right, from i...

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Jules Chéret 1894 original poster - Le radical Madame sans gêne
Jules Chéret 1894 original poster - Le radical Madame sans gêne

Jules Chéret 1894 original poster - Le radical Madame sans gêne

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

In the late 19th century, the bustling streets of Belle Époque Paris were adorned with vibrant posters, and at the forefront of this visual revolution stood the pioneering artist Jul...

Category

1890s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Original French color lithograph poster for Saxoléïne by Jules Chéret, 1900
Original French color lithograph poster for Saxoléïne by Jules Chéret, 1900

Original French color lithograph poster for Saxoléïne by Jules Chéret, 1900

By Jules Chéret

Located in North Bergen, NJ

Original vintage French Art Nouveau color lithograph poster for Saxoléïne by Jules Chéret, 1900 (green dress) Catalogue raisonné: Lucy Broido, "The Posters of Jules Chéret," entry 9...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Posters

1891 Original Poster by Jules Chéret for the the pastilles Géraudel
1891 Original Poster by Jules Chéret for the the pastilles Géraudel

1891 Original Poster by Jules Chéret for the the pastilles Géraudel

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

Sublime poster of the period realized in 1891 by Jules Chéret 🇫🇷 (1836-1932) to promote the pastilles for the throat of the brand Géraudel. Jules Chéret, to whom the title of "fat...

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Belle Époque original 1890 poster Jules Chéret Musée Grévin colonial exhibition
Belle Époque original 1890 poster Jules Chéret Musée Grévin colonial exhibition

Belle Époque original 1890 poster Jules Chéret Musée Grévin colonial exhibition

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

An emblem of the Belle Époque's fascination with the exotic, this original 1890 poster by Jules Chéret—often called the father of the modern poster—captures the spirit of late 19th-c...

Category

1890s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) Three studies of women, original signed drawing
Jules Cheret (1836-1932) Three studies of women, original signed drawing

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) Three studies of women, original signed drawing

By Jules Chéret

Located in Paris, FR

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) Three studies of women charcoal on paper signed on the bottom left 39 x 24.5 cm This drawing of studies was part of the artist's workshop as so it bears the...

Category

1910s Art Nouveau Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal

1895 Original poster by Jules Chéret for the Quinquina Dubonnet - Art Nouveau
1895 Original poster by Jules Chéret for the Quinquina Dubonnet - Art Nouveau

1895 Original poster by Jules Chéret for the Quinquina Dubonnet - Art Nouveau

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

Beautiful poster by Jules Chéret in 1895. One of the many products promoted by Chéret's cheerful redhead was Quinquina Dubonnet, a fortified wine made from herbs mixed with quinine....

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1894 original poster by Jules Chéret titled "Au quartier Latin Mi-Carême"
1894 original poster by Jules Chéret titled "Au quartier Latin Mi-Carême"

1894 original poster by Jules Chéret titled "Au quartier Latin Mi-Carême"

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

The 1894 original poster by Jules Chéret, titled "Au quartier Latin Mi-Carême," unveils a captivating snapshot of the festive atmosphere during the Mi-Carême celebration in the Latin...

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1895 original poster by Jules Chéret - Palais de Glace on the Champs-Élysées
1895 original poster by Jules Chéret - Palais de Glace on the Champs-Élysées

1895 original poster by Jules Chéret - Palais de Glace on the Champs-Élysées

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

The 1895 original poster by Jules Chéret, promoting the Palais de Glace on the Champs-Élysées, represents a captivating glimpse into the vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene of ...

Category

1890s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1894 original poster by Jules Chéret Théâtre de l'Opéra Carnaval - 2e Bal Masqué
1894 original poster by Jules Chéret Théâtre de l'Opéra Carnaval - 2e Bal Masqué

1894 original poster by Jules Chéret Théâtre de l'Opéra Carnaval - 2e Bal Masqué

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

In the realm of Belle Époque Paris, Jules Chéret emerges as a luminary, casting his artistic brilliance on the city's vibrant cultural scene. Known as the "father of the modern poste...

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Original Vintage Poster-Veino Pilon-Slovenian Art and Painting-Prague, 1927
Original Vintage Poster-Veino Pilon-Slovenian Art and Painting-Prague, 1927

Original Vintage Poster-Veino Pilon-Slovenian Art and Painting-Prague, 1927

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Additional Details: Materials and Techniques: Colour lithograph on paper Color: Multi-Color Region of Origin: France Framing: Unframed Style: Art Nouveau Theme: Advertising Type: Vin...

Category

20th Century Slovenian Art Deco Posters

Materials

Paper

Original 1894 Jules Chéret "Eldorado" Lithograph Poster
Original 1894 Jules Chéret "Eldorado" Lithograph Poster

Original 1894 Jules Chéret "Eldorado" Lithograph Poster

Located in WYNNUM, QLD

The original 1894 Jules Cheret Eldorado, in its rare full poster size format.

Category

Antique 1890s French Archaistic Paintings

Materials

Linen, Acrylic, Paper

‘La Bodinière, ’ Théatre de La Tour Eiffel, original Art Nouveau poster
‘La Bodinière, ’ Théatre de La Tour Eiffel, original Art Nouveau poster

‘La Bodinière, ’ Théatre de La Tour Eiffel, original Art Nouveau poster

By Jules Chéret

Located in North Bergen, NJ

"La Bodinière," Théatre de la Tour Eiffel by Jules Cheret The first printing, dated "93" at the lower right near the signature Catalogue raisonne: Broido 273.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Posters

Recent Sales

Portrait of a Bretonne in a folklore dress

Portrait of a Bretonne in a folklore dress

By Jules Chéret

Located in Paris, FR

Jules CHERET Original Pencil on paper Handsigned bottom right Size : 13 x 9 inches ( 33 x 23 cm ) Date : circa 1900 FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

Category

Early 1900s Impressionist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil

Original French Poster by Cheret
Original French Poster by Cheret

Original French Poster by Cheret

Unavailable

H 48 in W 34 in

Original French Poster by Cheret

By Jules Chéret

Located in Los Gatos, CA

French artist Jules Chéret arranged color with a maestro’s touch. He produced huge, unique and fantastic posters for cabarets, theaters, novels, beverages, cosmetics and a spectrum ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Posters

Original Cheret Moulin Rouge Poster

Original Cheret Moulin Rouge Poster

Unavailable

H 45.5 in W 34 in

Original Cheret Moulin Rouge Poster

By Jules Chéret

Located in Los Gatos, CA

In this lithograph, Cheret's main character is a voluptuous young woman beckoning all to visit the Moulin Rouge, which was a nightly dance theatre that featured every type of dancer,...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Posters

French Color Lithograph Poster for Saxoléïne by Jules Chéret, 1892

French Color Lithograph Poster for Saxoléïne by Jules Chéret, 1892

By Jules Chéret

Located in Petaluma, CA

This is a lovely French color lithograph poster on linen for Saxoléïne by Jules Chéret, 1892. This original color Belle Époque lithograph is signed in the centre left.

Category

Antique 1890s French Posters

Materials

Paper

Jules Cheret Original El Dorado Paris Poster, Circa 1894
Jules Cheret Original El Dorado Paris Poster, Circa 1894

Jules Cheret Original El Dorado Paris Poster, Circa 1894

By Jules Chéret

Located in Ross, CA

Art Nouveau style original Jules Cheret ( French 1836-1932) Eldorado Music Hall poster, circa 1894.

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Posters

Materials

Paper

Muse Grevin "Pantomimes Lumineuses" Original Poster by Jules Cheret
Muse Grevin "Pantomimes Lumineuses" Original Poster by Jules Cheret

Muse Grevin "Pantomimes Lumineuses" Original Poster by Jules Cheret

By Jules Chéret

Located in Plainview, NY

Jules Cheret created this captivating French poster to promote Emile Reynaud's "Theatre Optique," where he introduced the groundbreaking "Pantomimes Lumineuses" – the world's inaugur...

Category

Late 19th Century French School Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Poster-J. Cheret-Quinquina Dubonnet-Wood-Alcohol, 1895
Original Poster-J. Cheret-Quinquina Dubonnet-Wood-Alcohol, 1895

Original Poster-J. Cheret-Quinquina Dubonnet-Wood-Alcohol, 1895

By Jules Chéret

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Original Poster-J. Cheret-Quinquina Dubonnet-Wood-Alcohol, 1895 Poster promoting the “Quinquina Dubonnet” aperitif. Additional Details: Materials and Techniques: Colour litho...

Category

Antique 19th Century Art Nouveau Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Poster-Cheret-Ice Ice Skaping Palazation-Paris, c.1893
Original Vintage Poster-Cheret-Ice Ice Skaping Palazation-Paris, c.1893

Original Vintage Poster-Cheret-Ice Ice Skaping Palazation-Paris, c.1893

By Jules Chéret

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

This poster was offered to new subscribers of the French magazine "Le Courrier Français" Additional Details: Materials and Techniques: Colour lithograph on paper Color: Multi-Color...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Posters

Materials

Paper

The Dance - Original Lithograph (Les Maîtres de l'Affiche), 1900
The Dance - Original Lithograph (Les Maîtres de l'Affiche), 1900

The Dance - Original Lithograph (Les Maîtres de l'Affiche), 1900

By Jules Chéret

Located in Paris, IDF

Jules Chéret The Dance, 1900 Orignal Lithograph Printed signature in the plate On vellum Size 39 x 29 cm (c. 15.3 x 11.4") INFORMATION : Plate 181 of "Les Maîtres de l'Affiche", P...

Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

The Pantomime - Original Lithograph (Les Maîtres de l'Affiche), 1900
The Pantomime - Original Lithograph (Les Maîtres de l'Affiche), 1900

The Pantomime - Original Lithograph (Les Maîtres de l'Affiche), 1900

By Jules Chéret

Located in Paris, IDF

Jules Chéret The Pantomime, 1900 Orignal Lithograph Printed signature in the plate On vellum Size 39 x 29 cm (c. 15.3 x 11.4") INFORMATION : Plate 201 of "Les Maîtres de l'Affiche...

Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Jules Cheret Original Crayon Drawing, 1890
Jules Cheret Original Crayon Drawing, 1890

Jules Cheret Original Crayon Drawing, 1890

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H 14.5 in W 20 in D 1 in

Jules Cheret Original Crayon Drawing, 1890

By Jules Chéret

Located in Dallas, TX

Jules Cheret (French, 1836 - 1932) Large original crayon drawing of a beautiful woman dancing maybe with castanets.

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Drawings

Materials

Paper

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) An elegant woman, original signed drawing
Jules Cheret (1836-1932) An elegant woman, original signed drawing

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) An elegant woman, original signed drawing

By Jules Chéret

Located in Paris, FR

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) An elegant woam charcoal and heightenings of white gouache on paper signed on the bottom right 39 x 23.5 cm In good condition, the paper is slighly undulat...

Category

1910s Art Nouveau Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Gouache

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) Four studies of women, original drawing
Jules Cheret (1836-1932) Four studies of women, original drawing

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) Four studies of women, original drawing

By Jules Chéret

Located in Paris, FR

Jules Cheret (1836-1932) Four studies of women charcoal on paper bears a monogram on the bottom right 39 x 24 cm This drawing of studies was part of the artist's workshop as so it...

Category

1910s Art Nouveau Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal

Original Jules Cheret "Jardins de Paris" Poster, 1890, Art Nouveau
Original Jules Cheret "Jardins de Paris" Poster, 1890, Art Nouveau

Original Jules Cheret "Jardins de Paris" Poster, 1890, Art Nouveau

By Jules Chéret

Located in Dallas, TX

Jules Chéret (French, 1836-1932) Jardin de Paris - Fête de nuit bal, 1890 Lithograph in colors on paper (crease lines visible) Sheet: 32.5 x 23.3 inches (82.2 x 58.7 cm) Printed si...

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Posters

Materials

Paper

Original poster by Jules Chéret Théâtre de l'Opéra Grande fête 1er bal masqué
Original poster by Jules Chéret Théâtre de l'Opéra Grande fête 1er bal masqué

Original poster by Jules Chéret Théâtre de l'Opéra Grande fête 1er bal masqué

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

This exquisite 1896 lithographic poster by Jules Chéret, renowned as the “Father of the Modern Poster,” was created to promote the Grande Fête: 1er Bal Masqué (First Masquerade Ball)...

Category

1890s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Presenting this vibrant original lithographic poster created in 1896 by Jules Ch
Presenting this vibrant original lithographic poster created in 1896 by Jules Ch

Presenting this vibrant original lithographic poster created in 1896 by Jules Ch

By Jules Chéret

Located in PARIS, FR

Presenting this vibrant original lithographic poster created in 1896 by Jules Chéret for Les Maîtres de l’Affiche, Plate 45, advertising the novel L’amant des danseuses by Félicien C...

Category

1890s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Madame Sans Gene - Original Stone Lithograph - 1894
Madame Sans Gene - Original Stone Lithograph - 1894

Madame Sans Gene - Original Stone Lithograph - 1894

By Jules Chéret

Located in Paris, IDF

Jules CHERET Madame sans gene Original stone lithograph Printed signature in the plate On paper applied on linen 123 x 87 cm (c. 50 x 35 inch) Bears the French Republic stamp ; thi...

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Madame Sans Gene - Original Stone Lithograph - 1894
Madame Sans Gene - Original Stone Lithograph - 1894

Madame Sans Gene - Original Stone Lithograph - 1894

By Jules Chéret

Located in Paris, IDF

Jules CHERET Madame sans gene Original stone lithograph Printed signature in the plate On paper applied on linen 123 x 87 cm (c. 50 x 35 inch) Bears the French Republic stamp ; thi...

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

UNTITLED - DANCING COUPLE

UNTITLED - DANCING COUPLE

By Jules Chéret

Located in Portland, ME

Cheret, Jules (1836-1932). UNTITLED ORIGINAL DRAWING.

Category

1890s Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Watercolor

Original Poster by Jules Cheret

Original Poster by Jules Cheret

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H 48 in W 32.75 in

Original Poster by Jules Cheret

By Jules Chéret

Located in Los Gatos, CA

The joys of Paris were never more evident than in the Palais de Glace series by Cheret. As his work became more popular and his large posters displaying moderately free-spirited fem...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Posters

Original l'Aureole Poster Advertisement by Jules Cheret
Original l'Aureole Poster Advertisement by Jules Cheret

Original l'Aureole Poster Advertisement by Jules Cheret

By Jules Chéret

Located in Los Gatos, CA

Jules Cheret produced over one thousand posters in his lifetime - compare that to Mucha's hundred or Lautrec's thirty. He recognized then, as his advertising counterparts do today, t...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Posters

Materials

Paper

Muse Grevin - Pantomimes Lumineuses" Original Poster by Jules Cheret
Muse Grevin - Pantomimes Lumineuses" Original Poster by Jules Cheret

Muse Grevin - Pantomimes Lumineuses" Original Poster by Jules Cheret

By Jules Chéret

Located in Pasadena, CA

A French original poster by Jules Cheret advertising the "Theatre Optique" Optical theater owned by Emile Reynaud who presented in the Musee Grevin" the Pantomimes Lumineuses, the w...

Category

1880s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Original Jules Cheret Poster for Cacao Lhara by F. Mugnier

Original Jules Cheret Poster for Cacao Lhara by F. Mugnier

By Jules Chéret

Located in Los Gatos, CA

This poster by Jules Cheret is for Cacao Lhara / F. Mugnier. Mugnier's success bottling a cherry-flavored liqueur called Bigarreau eventually enabled him to expand until he had the l...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Posters

Original French  poster by Jules Cheret for Palais de Glace
Original French  poster by Jules Cheret for Palais de Glace

Original French poster by Jules Cheret for Palais de Glace

By Jules Chéret

Located in Los Gatos, CA

The elegant two-sheet poster by Cheret features a lovely young woman in eye-catching red, ice-skating gracefully at the Palais de Glace, located on the fashionable Champs Elysees. A...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Prints

Art Nouveau Vintage French Original "Job" Lithograph Poster by Jules Cheret
Art Nouveau Vintage French Original "Job" Lithograph Poster by Jules Cheret

Art Nouveau Vintage French Original "Job" Lithograph Poster by Jules Cheret

By Jules Chéret

Located in Pasadena, CA

A French original lithograph "Job" poster by Jules Cheret picturing an elegant lady from the end of the 19th-century advertising for cigarette paper.

Category

1880s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Original Cheret Poster

Original Cheret Poster

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H 47.25 in W 34 in D 0.1 in

Original Cheret Poster

By Jules Chéret

Located in Los Gatos, CA

Geraudel was a pharmacist who invented a cough drop that went on to became very successful thanks almost entirely to his talent as a marketer, rather than the product's medicinal pro...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Posters

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Jules Cheret Original For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the jules cheret original you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. There are many Impressionist, modern and contemporary versions of these works for sale. Finding the perfect jules cheret original may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 20th Century. On 1stDibs, the right jules cheret original is waiting for you and the choices span a range of colors that includes beige, gray, brown and black. There have been many interesting jules cheret original examples over the years, but those made by Jules Chéret, Paul Berthon, Georges D'Espagnat, Manuel Robbe and Théophile Alexandre Steinlen are often thought to be among the most thought-provoking. These artworks were handmade with extraordinary care, with artists most often working in lithograph, fabric and paint.

How Much is a Jules Cheret Original?

The price for an artwork of this kind can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — a jules cheret original in our inventory may begin at $274 and can go as high as $48,850, while the average can fetch as much as $3,460.

Jules Chéret for sale on 1stDibs

Once upon a belle époque, Jules Chéret and his posters were the toast of Paris. It was the Art Nouveau era, a time when works like those created by Chéret were key to the fabric of the cosmopolitan thoroughfare in the French capital. Today, this extraordinary artist and printer is little known. 

It was Chéret who transformed the street advert into the most expressive and coveted art form of the late 1800s. Think: a red-headed belle in a flimsy yellow dress, frolicking through a field of blue as she pours a glass of “tonic wine,” with the brand name Vin Mariani wafting about her.

Through his bold advances in chromolithography and the graphic arts, Chéret and the younger talents he inspired — like Pierre Bonnard, Alphonse Mucha and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec — along with other artists, turned the stone-gray streets of Paris into a kaleidoscopic, ever-changing urban spectacle.

Raised in a family of poor Parisian artisans, Jules Chéret was apprenticed to a lithographer at 13. Although he took a class at the École nationale de dessin, as an artist, he was largely self-taught, schooling himself in art history and technique by visiting remarkable works at museums. When his first solo poster designs failed to garner further commissions, Chéret, then 23, relocated to London, where colorful but text-heavy posters enlivened the streets.

The move proved pivotal, as he soon found work with the French expat Eugène Rimmel, a visionary businessman and one of the founders of the beauty and healthcare industries. A brilliant marketer, he regularly produced colorful, elegantly illustrated and culturally sophisticated catalogues to publicize House of Rimmel cosmetics and fragrances. These and other promotional ventures kept Chéret busy, while sharpening his understanding of the commercial potential of print. 

So, when he learned of the invention of a press that could print large-scale formats inexpensively, Chéret recognized an opportunity to become his own boss. Now 30 years old, he returned to Paris with the financial support of Rimmel to establish his own print shop specializing in jumbo-size street posters and set about forging a fresh, eye-catching approach to their design.

Chéret accelerated the process of chromolithography by adding a stone with a graduated background that scaled in hue from orange to blue. With this, in addition to red- and black-pigmented stones, he could make vibrant posters more quickly and cheaply. In the late 1870s, his acquisition of steam-powered presses further sped up production and dramatically increased the volume of his output. 

But perhaps Chéret’s greatest contribution to our world today was a simple insight into an eternal truth: Sex sells. The best way to market a product is to put a pretty, revealingly dressed young woman in the ad. In the 1890s, Chéret put so many to work in this cause that they came to be known as “Chérettes,” a conflation of chérie (“darling”) and Chéret. 

Descended from the enchanting mademoiselles in the bucolic painterly confections of Rococo artists like Antoine Watteau and Jean-Honoré Fragonard, all smiles and femininity, they fused the present with the past, making them potent symbols of a newly affluent and peaceful France. 

Find original Jules Chéret posters and prints and other Art Nouveau posters on 1stDibs.