A color plate from an exquisite book called Les Programmes Illustres, by Ernest Maindron, published in 1897, by Librairie Nilsson-Per Lamm, Paris purchased at auction, and filled with the most unbelievably detailed and remarkable works of art we have seen... granted we are biased and truly moved by works from this period, by truly, these are gems, in remarkable, mint condition, and more than 100 years old. The auction catalog reads: '' ''I often ask myself what they, the curious of the year 2000, will think of us, whom we are cut off from by a century of dreadful events; them, knowing that which we don''t yet know and that we nearly suspect, what will they say of our old frivolity with all that has passed? Won''t they pity us, like we today have pity for the aristocratic society whose ancient prints we refer to with carelessness and levity?'' Thus mused Pierre Veber in his prefacing comments for the Programmes Illustres, a hardcover compendium of some of the most beautiful menus, invitations, business cards and announcements of the Belle Epoque. Little could he have known how off the mark his thoughts were, as today we look back at the virtuosity these posterists displayed with the limited technology of the time.'' (Rennert) Each sheet is 9.25 x 12.5 inches, and the images on the sheet vary - this one, by Adolphe Willette, measures 6 x 8.5 inches and is for a dentist called Feindel who seemed to specialize in babies, ladies, beasts and wolves.... Of Willette it has been written ''Willette was born in Chalons-sur-Marne. He studied for four years at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts under Cabanel, training which gave him a unique position among the graphic humorists of France. Whether comedy or tragedy, dainty triviality or political satire, his work is instinct with the profound sincerity of the artist. He set Pierrot upon a lofty pedestal among the imaginary heroes of France, and established Mimi Pinson, frail, lovable, and essentially good-hearted, in the affections of the nation. Willette is at once the modern Watteau of the pencil, and the exponent of sentiments that move the more emotional section of the public. Always a poet, and usually gay, fresh, and delicate, in his presentation of idylls exquisitely dainty and characteristically Gallic, illustrating the more ''charming'' side of love, often pure and sometimes unnecessarily materialistic. Willette frequently reveals himself bitter and fierce, even ferocious, in his hatreds, being a violent though at the same time a generous partisan of political ideas, furiously compassionate with love and pity for the people whether they be ground down under the heel of political oppression, or are merely the victims ot unrequited love, suffering all the pangs of graceful anguish that are born of scornful treatment. There is charm even in his thrilling apotheosis of the guillotine, and in the introduction into his caricatures of the figure of Death itself.'' (wikipedia) PLEASE NOTE: ALL OF OUR POSTERS ARE ORIGINAL, NON REPRODUCTION, VINTAGE PIECES. Status: For Sale Reference#: 1090564 Condition: A Year: 1897 Country: France Maker: Maindron Height: 8.5 in. (21.59 cm) Width: 6 in. (15.24 cm) Title: 1897 Programmes Illustres WILLETTE - DENTIST''S SIGN Style: Art Nouveau/Liberty Materials: paper

Art (paintings, prints, frames)
Vintage Posters