Aux Trois Quartiers poster – Tapis d’Orient – Rene Pean – Maitres de l’Affiche Pl 211
The Aux Trois Quartiers poster takes us on a journey to a Persian Bazaar
Rene Pean’s intriguing Aux Trois Quartiers poster transports us to the heart of a vibrant Persian bazaar, where the air is thick with the scent of exotic spices and the rich hues of handwoven carpets.
This is the magic captured in the legendary Aux Trois Quartiers poster, a masterpiece by René-Louis Pean, now available as a stunning reproduction print. These posters, originally designed to beckon visitors to a world of Oriental treasures, have transcended their initial purpose, becoming coveted collectibles that resonate with art lovers and history buffs worldwide.
The allure of the Oriental Carpet
René-Louis Pean’s 1899 Aux Trois Quartiers poster is a window into a bygone era. It transports us to a vivid scene where a Persian farshfroosh (carpet seller) sits amidst a dazzling array of “Tapis d’Orient,” or Oriental carpets. Each rug, with its intricate patterns and vibrant colours, tells a story of skilled craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Pean’s artistry doesn’t merely depict a scene; it immerses us in it. We can almost hear the cacophony of the people and camels in the marketplace, the distant calls of the muezzin, and the murmur of prayers from the nearby mosque.
The central figure, the farshfroosh, is a master storyteller. His face, etched with the wisdom of years, speaks of a life devoted to the art of carpet trading. Dressed in a flowing yellow robe and traditional head covering, he exudes an aura of authenticity and expertise. His stall, a riot of colours and textures, showcases the finest carpets, each piece a testament to the weavers’ skill.
He engages us with tales of the carpets’ origins and the symbolism woven into their designs. Offering a cup of tea, he builds trust and rapport, inviting us to partake in the age-old tradition of negotiation. This is an invitation to experience the richness of Persian culture, all within the elegant confines of Aux Trois Quartiers.
The captivating image of the Persian bazaar in the Aux Trois Quartiers poster wasn’t a literal invitation to embark on a journey to the East. Instead, it served a crucial marketing purpose: to visually authenticate the Oriental carpets being offered within the Parisian department store.
In an era where exotic goods held immense allure, but also potential for deception, the poster acted as a powerful assurance of genuine craftsmanship. By depicting a scene straight from the source, Pean’s artwork aimed to instill confidence in the discerning Parisian clientele. It was about selling the idea of authenticity, the promise that Aux Trois Quartiers had meticulously sourced its wares directly from the heart of Persian rug-making traditions.
The Aux Trois Quartiers poster effectively bridged the geographical gap, bringing the mystique and artistry of the East to the sophisticated shoppers of Paris, all while guaranteeing that the treasures they acquired were truly representative of the highest quality and traditional skill.
Aux Trois Quartiers: A Parisian Icon of elegance and innovation
Aux Trois Quartiers, a grand department store nestled on the corner of Boulevard de la Madeleine and Rue Duphot, was a cornerstone of Parisian social and commercial life. Founded in 1829, it flourished in the early 1900s, attracting the city’s elite with its exquisite selection of luxury goods and cutting-edge fashions. Like its contemporaries, Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette, Aux Trois Quartiers played a pivotal role in shaping Parisian culture.
The store was renowned for its commitment to artistic advertising, a testament to its refined taste and innovative spirit. The inclusion of the Aux Trois Quartiers poster in the prestigious “Les Maîtres de l’Affiche” collection underscores its contribution to the visual culture of the era. Even the stores 1930’s art deco remodel shows the stores commitment to being modern, and up to date. While the department store eventually closed its doors, its legacy lives on, preserved in the stunning reproduction prints of its iconic posters. Owning a reproduction of the Aux Trois Quartiers poster is not just acquiring a piece of art; it’s owning a slice of Parisian history.
Aux Trois Quartiers poster Les Maitres de l’Affiche Pl 211
Beyond its visual allure, the Aux Trois Quartiers poster is an embodiment of artistic legacy and craftsmanship. Its significance is underscored by its inclusion in the esteemed Maitres de l’Affiche (Masters of the Poster) collection as Plate 211. This collection, comprising 256 color lithographic plates, showcased the finest works from prominent artists. Delivered to monthly subscribers between 1895 and 1900, these smaller-sized reproductions echoed the grandeur of the original posters and bore the prestigious name of “Imprimerie Chaix” in the margin, a testament to their authenticity.
Jules Chéret’s “Maitres de l’Affiche” was a groundbreaking idea that played a pivotal role in elevating the art of poster design to new heights during the late 19th century. The project aimed to celebrate and preserve the best of the vibrant and captivating posters that had become an integral part of the urban landscape, particularly in the bustling streets of fin de siècle Paris. Through “Maitres de l’Affiche,” Chéret sought to showcase the finest examples of poster artistry by collaborating with some of the most accomplished artists of his time.
This innovative endeavor involved the reproduction of larger posters in a smaller, more manageable format, making these remarkable artworks accessible to a broader audience. The collection consisted of 256 color lithographic plates, each measuring 15 3/4 x 11 3/8 inches (40 x 29 cm). These reduced-size versions retained the essence of the original posters, allowing art enthusiasts and collectors to appreciate the intricate details, vivid colours, and artistic techniques that defined this emerging form of visual communication.
Capturing Parisian Elegance and Persian Charm for your home
Original Aux Trois Quartiers posters, like many vintage advertising pieces from the “Maîtres de l’Affiche” collection, are becoming increasingly rare, hard to find, and correspondingly expensive. These historical artifacts, once mass-produced for advertising purposes, are now highly sought-after collector’s items, often commanding premium prices at auctions and antique markets.
Recognising the enduring appeal of these iconic images, we offer high-quality reproduction posters that capture the exquisite detail and vibrant colours of the original artwork. Our carefully crafted prints allow you to own a piece of this rich history, bringing the charm and elegance of the Aux Trois Quartiers poster into your home or office, without the prohibitive cost and difficulty of acquiring an original. These superb reproductions ensure that you can enjoy the timeless beauty of René-Louis Pean’s masterpiece for years to come.
