Saxoleine poster Saxoleine Pétrole de Sûreté – Jules Cheret – 1893
This stunning 1892 Saxoleine poster by the master lithographer Jules Chéret is an iconic piece of French advertising art. It’s a prime example of his remarkable talent, where he managed to make even a mundane product like kerosene lamp oil seem terrifically romantic and intimate. This particular piece was one of at least twenty different designs he created for the Saxoléine oil company, one of his most important clients.
The golden age of La Belle Époque in Paris was a time of cultural refinement, technological advancements, and a focus on aesthetic pleasure. This Saxoleine poster perfectly captures that spirit. It’s an homage to luxury and elegant interior decor, offering a charming glimpse into the sophisticated world of 19th-century Parisian society.
In the image, we see an enchanting young mademoiselle, a vision of refined taste. She is dressed in a striking black dress with whimsical yellow puff-ball sleeves and a matching headband, a truly up-to-the-minute outfit for the era. The outfit is carefully chosen to perfectly complement her newly acquired kerosene lamp, which features an elegant ebony base.
The bright glow from the lamp’s glass chimney and the young woman’s yellow sleeves perfectly match, creating a unified and tasteful composition. The burning Saxoleine lamp oil casts a warm, soft glow that illuminates her hands and face, as well as the bold, flame-red walls of the room. The subtle light creates an intimate, inviting atmosphere.
The hand-drawn lettering on the Saxoleine poster is an artwork in itself. The text “Saxoleine Pétrole de Sûreté” (Safety Lamp Oil) highlights the brand’s features. It explains that the oil is “Extra Blanc” (gives a brighter light), “Déodorisé” (odourless), and “Inflammable” (flammable). It also notes that the oil is available in five-litre lead canisters. This fabulous Saxoleine poster is a true piece of history.
Jules Cheret and his famous Belle Epoque Cherettes.
Jules Chéret’s groundbreaking colour printing technique revolutionised the world of posters. His innovations enabled posters to be reproduced with striking, vibrant colours, profoundly impacting the visual landscape of his era. This pioneering work ushered in a new age of dynamic, eye-catching advertising that still inspires artists today.
In addition to his technical skills, Chéret’s artistic vision gave birth to the ‘Cherettes’. These captivating female figures, depicted with vivacity and charm, became emblematic of the Belle Époque’s spirit. They were more than just models; they became celebrated household names, their enchanting portraits adorning walls and shop windows across Paris.
The Jules Chéret posters, with their radiant ‘Cherettes’, transformed the city into an open-air gallery. Passersby were greeted with a burst of colour and energy that elevated the mundane. Each poster was a testament to the seamless intersection of art and commerce. Chéret’s creations masterfully promoted everything from theatre productions to beverages with a visual flair that was both persuasive and captivating.
How much is an original 1893 Jules Chéret Saxoleine Pétrole de Sûreté poster worth?
Jules Chéret’s decade-long partnership with the oil-producing company was incredibly prolific. Over this period, he created no less than twenty distinctive designs or variations of advertising posters for Saxoleine. Each of these unique designs consistently featured a recurring theme: a young woman in contemporary attire, often adjusting an oil lamp to enhance its luminosity or carefully tending to its shade.
Out of this impressive collection of Saxoleine posters, Chéret himself selected two designs as exceptional standouts. These pieces were so artistically significant that they were chosen for a coveted spot within his visionary “Maitres de l’Affiche” collection. This project was a curated compilation of the era’s finest poster art, delivered to subscribers as a monthly dose of visual brilliance between 1895 and 1900.
Over five years, the “Maitres de l’Affiche” collection grew to include an impressive 256 lithographic posters, featuring work from 97 artists worldwide. Chéret’s decision to include two specific Saxoleine poster designs—Plate 13 and Plate 145—speaks volumes about their artistic merit. This early Saxoleine poster, featured on our listing, was created before the collection began, but it certainly has the same creative quality.
Most original stone lithographed Jules Chéret posters are coveted, highly desirable, and extremely rare. The reproduction prints created for the “Maitres de l’Affiche” collection are more commonly seen at auctions. However, the original Saxoleine poster on this listing is so rare that the last auction sale we can find for a similar piece was for $3,450 back in 2008. Given the current market, who knows what it might fetch today?
