Original Jules Chéret "L'Arc-en-Ciel" Folies-Bergère Color Lithograph, Paris, 1893

Details

Description

An exceptional original Belle Époque color lithograph by Jules Chéret (1836–1932), the celebrated French artist widely regarded as the “Father … Read more An exceptional original Belle Époque color lithograph by Jules Chéret (1836–1932), the celebrated French artist widely regarded as the “Father of the Modern Poster.” Created in 1893 for the legendary Folies-Bergère in Paris, L’Arc-en-Ciel (“The Rainbow”) is a monumental and exuberant example of the theatrical imagery that established Chéret as one of the defining artists of fin-de-siècle Paris.

The composition depicts performers from the Folies-Bergère ballet-pantomime L’Arc-en-Ciel, arranged beneath a brilliant sweeping rainbow in Chéret’s unmistakable combination of movement, color and theatrical fantasy.

This work is documented in Lucy Broido’s authoritative catalogue of Chéret’s posters as Broido No. 123:

1893. [Folies-Bergère. L’Arc-en-Ciel, ballet-pantomime en trois tableaux.] 121 × 81, signed left. Imp. Chaix (ateliers Chéret), rue Bergère. (M111, MA21.)

Importantly, Broido records that examples of L’Arc-en-Ciel are known as artist’s proofs in color before letters or before the printer’s address, as well as deluxe-edition and black-only proofs. The original 1994 auction documentation accompanying the present work specifically identifies this example as a “before letters” impression and notes that it had already been fabric-backed for conservation.

Unlike later reproductions, this is an authentic nineteenth-century color lithograph produced during Chéret’s lifetime. The work bears Chéret’s signature in the stone at lower left.

The lithograph is professionally conservation mounted and presented in an elegant custom carved gilt frame with archival rag-board matting. The reverse retains important historical documentation, including the original auction catalogue identification and conservation/framing materials.

Provenance:
Acquired September 11, 1994 from Chamberlin’s Fine Art Auctioneers & Appraisers, Tarzana, California. The original auction receipt accompanies the artwork, and the reverse retains the corresponding auction catalogue description identifying the work as Lot 23, L’Arc-en-Ciel, 1893, and describing it as a “before letters” impression, fabric backed.

The work has remained in the same private collection since its 1994 acquisition.

With its unusually large scale, sweeping rainbow and animated cast of theatrical figures, L’Arc-en-Ciel embodies the visual energy that transformed the streets of Belle Époque Paris. Chéret’s revolutionary approach to color lithography helped elevate the commercial poster into an independent art form and profoundly influenced the development of modern graphic design.

Chéret was awarded the Légion d’honneur in 1890 for his contributions to the graphic arts. His works are represented in major museum collections internationally and remain among the most recognizable images of the golden age of French poster design.

Literature:
Lucy Broido, The Posters of Jules Chéret — No. 123, Folies-Bergère, L’Arc-en-Ciel, 1893. The catalogue notes known artist’s proofs in color before letters or before the printer’s address. The relevant catalogue entry is illustrated in the listing photographs.

Measurements:
Framed: 57.5" H × 46" W × 1.25" D
Visible image within mat: approximately 45" H × 33.5" W

Condition:
Good antique condition consistent with age and the work’s 1893 date. Professionally fabric-backed for conservation prior to its documented 1994 acquisition and subsequently archivally framed using rag-board materials. The lithograph exhibits age-related toning, handling creases/fold lines, scattered surface wear and areas of historic restoration consistent with a large-format nineteenth-century lithograph. These characteristics remain visible on close inspection and are documented in the listing photographs. The custom carved gilt frame shows minor age-appropriate wear.

Original auction documentation and receipt accompany the artwork. Please review all photographs, including detailed images of the lithograph, frame, reverse documentation and published Broido catalogue reference. See less