Job Papier a Cigarettes poster Hors Concours – Jules Chéret – 1889
This is a reproduction of one of Jules Chéret’s most famous designs. The vintage Job Papier à Cigarettes poster was produced in 1889 for JOB, a French rolling papers manufacturer. The JOB cigarette paper company was founded in 1838 by a French craftsman named Jean Bardou. who came up with the idea for a booklet of rolling papers made of thin, pure rice paper.
Initially, Bardou’s trademark was the initials “JB” separated by a large diamond. However, the diamond was often mistaken for a capital O by consumers, who began referring to the papers as JOB. The brand name stuck and was patented in 1849.
When Bardou died in 1852, the JOB brand was acquired by his son Pierre Bardou. By 1854, the JOB rolling papers company was producing a wide range of flavoured papers including licorice, anise, vanilla, juniper, and camphor. By 1887, the company was well established and its cigarette papers were becoming increasingly popular. Careful attention to marketing included the development of premium or luxury papers, with attractive box designs aimed at a growing new market… lady smokers.
The Job Papier a Cigarettes poster – A message of female empowerment
The vintage advertising poster, from the La Belle Epoque era may seem innocuous by today’s standards. However, back in 1889, it would have caused quite a stir in its time. Cheret’s cigarette paper advert features a stunning Parisian woman, brimming with life. She’s confidently smoking, a direct defiance of the conventions of the era. Smoking, especially for women, was heavily frowned upon. The act, depicted, becomes a bold statement of not only her… but every woman’s fight for equality and independence.
Interestingly, the model in the JOB poster bears a striking resemblance to Yvette Guilbert, a renowned French cabaret singer and actress. The popular cabaret singer who made her name at Le Moulin Rouge is believed to have been one of Cheret’s ‘go-to’ poster models. The French chanteuse was known for her unconventional performances and outspoken personality, making her a potential inspiration for the poster’s portrayal of a liberated woman.
The Job Papier à Cigarettes poster embodies the artistic style of Jules Chéret, a prominent figure of the Belle Epoque era (late 19th and early 20th centuries). This period saw a shift in societal attitudes, with a rise in the “New Woman” ideal. Women were increasingly seeking more freedom and challenging traditional roles. The poster’s model, with her self-assured demeanor and cigarette, perfectly captures this spirit.In essence, the poster wasn’t just advertising a product; it was a subtle rebellion against societal constraints, celebrating a new ideal of womanhood.
In 1889, the JOB cigarette paper company was a thriving business. The company even received an award at that year’s Exposition Universelle (World Fair) in Paris. Cheret was commissioned to produce this striking advert to announce that the company ‘Hors Concours’, perhaps in recognition that the company, was a cut above, having no serious competition.
A Colorful Legacy: JOB Papier a Cigarettes posters
Throughout its history, the JOB Rolling Papers company embraced the power of color posters as a key element of its marketing strategy. Throughout the decades, they’ve collaborated with a prestigious roster of artists to design eye-catching advertising campaigns. These campaigns featured the work of renowned talents like G. Maurice, Paul Jean Louis Gervais, Leonetto Cappiello, Gaspar Camps, Manuel Orazi, G. Herve, and Georges Meunier.
Job Papier a Cigarettes poster Les Maitres de l’Affiche Volume 1 Plate 1
Jules Chéret was a prominent French poster artist and lithographer who was known for his colorful and innovative poster designs in the late 19th century. His Job Papier à Cigarettes poster was created in 1889 to advertise the popular cigarette posters. It is one of his most famous and iconic works. Chéret himself considered it worthy enough to begin his Maitres de l’Affiche (Masters of the Poster) series as Plate 1.
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 colors, and artistic techniques that defined this emerging form of visual communication.
How much is an original Jules Cheret Job Papier a Cigarettes poster worth?
The Job Papier à Cigarettes poster by Jules Chéret is a highly valuable collector’s item. Not only is it the work of a renowned artist, Jules Chéret, but it also captures a specific artistic style (Belle Epoque) and a controversial moment in social history – a woman smoking defiantly. The rarity of originals, especially those from the “Maitres de l’Affiche” collection, combined with the poster’s historical and cultural significance, drives its price well above £5,500. It’s a confluence of art, history, and social commentary, making it a treasured piece for collectors and investors alike.
His brother Joseph Bardou had formed a separate company making “le Nil” cigarette papers, with a laughing elephant as its logo.
