L’Ermitage wall art poster print – Paul Berthon – 1897
L’Ermitage: An Art Nouveau Masterpiece by Paul Berthon
“L’Ermitage,” created in 1897 by French artist Paul Berthon, is a captivating embodiment of the Art Nouveau movement. This lithograph, widely considered Berthon’s masterpiece, served as a cover illustration for “L’Ermitage Revue Illustree,” a Parisian literary magazine published between 1890 and 1907.
A New Direction for L’Ermitage
The year 1896 marked a turning point for the magazine. Under new management, “L’Ermitage” broadened its scope beyond poetry and plays to encompass the visual arts. This shift in focus called for a fresh visual identity. he magazine commissioned Art Nouveau illustrations to grace the covers. Berthon’s “L’Ermitage” perfectly captured the essence of the magazine’s new direction.
Art Nouveau Takes Center Stage
Art Nouveau, a flourishing artistic movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is characterized by its sinuous lines, organic forms inspired by nature, and emphasis on femininity. Berthon masterfully incorporates these elements into “L’Ermitage.” The central figure is a woman with flowing red hair, a recurring motif in Art Nouveau that symbolises beauty and vitality. Her hair cascades downwards, resembling the tendrils of a plant, blurring the lines between human and nature.
A Symphony of Color and Composition
The colour palette of L’Ermitage wall art poster print is limited yet impactful. Berthon primarily uses black ink alongside just four other colours: orange, yellow, olive green, and blue-green. This restricted palette creates a sense of harmony and allows the central figure to truly stand out. The woman’s flowing red hair contrasts beautifully with the cool blue-green background, drawing the viewer’s eye inward.
The composition of the piece is equally deliberate. The woman is positioned slightly off-centre, creating a sense of dynamism and intrigue. Her gaze is directed upwards, as if towards a source of inspiration or enlightenment. The background is devoid of detail, further emphasizing the woman’s central role.
Symbolism and Interpretation
The white lilies held by the woman are laden with symbolic meaning. Lilies often represent purity, innocence, and even rebirth. This symbolism aligns with the ideals of beauty and artistic renewal that Art Nouveau sought to embody. Additionally, the lilies echo the natural curves and flowing lines found throughout the composition.
Beyond a Magazine Cover: Les Maîtres de l’Affiche series Plate 227.
L’Ermitage wall art poster print transcended its original purpose as a magazine cover. It was included in the highly sought-after “Les Maitres de L’Affiches” series, a collection featuring works by prominent poster artists.
Jules Cheret considered Paul Berthon’s L’Ermitage painting to be of a high enough quality to reprint it as a poster and include it in his Maitres d’Affiches series as Plate 227. This plate is from the Maitres de l’Affiche (Masters of the Poster) collection one of 256 color lithographic plates delivered to monthly subscribers in sets of four beginning in 1895 and continuing through 1900. The collection was reproduced from the original posters of ninety-seven artists in a smaller 15 3/4 x 11 3/8 inch (40 x 29 cm) format. The individual plates were issued as separate numbered sheets, with the printer’s name, “Imprimerie Chaix,” in the margin at the bottom left-hand corner.
How much is an original c1897 L’Emitage lithographic print worth?
Today, L’Ermitage continues to be admired for its captivating beauty and its embodiment of the Art Nouveau aesthetic. The work is featured in several prominent collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The L’Ermitage wall art poster print by Paul Berthon is a testament to the power of visual communication. It not only advertised a magazine but also served as a window into the artistic sensibilities of its time. The enduring popularity of this work speaks to its ability to transcend the boundaries of a specific era and resonate with viewers even today.
Considered a crowning achievement of the Art Nouveau movement and one of Berthon’s greatest masterpieces, this rare and highly sought-after print commands top dollar whenever it appears on the open market. An original print from Jules Cheret’s Les Maitres de L’Affiche fetched an impressive £3,620 a few years ago.
However, this record was shattered in 2023 when a copy surfaced on an American online poster site. Despite showing signs of wear, including fading, discolouration, and a prominent fold, this lesser-quality specimen still had a price tag of nearly $15,000.
For a poster that has survived for almost a century, the asking price doesn’t seem to be too bad. After all, owning an original must be an incredible feeling and, over time, could even turn out to be a profitable investment. However, the truth is that original vintage poster prices are simply out of reach for most people.
This is where our fabulous high-quality reproduction prints come into their own. They capture the essence and the undeniable charisma of the original poster. You get the same intricate details, impactful imagery and iconic typography… but best of all they cost a fraction of an original and still look absolutely fantastic when they’re framed and hung on your living room wall. Order your reproduction L’Ermitage wall art poster print today.
