Le Courrier Francais – Jules Chéret – 1892

Le Courrier Français was a French illustrated weekly magazine carrying articles  on literature, fine arts, theater, medicine and finance. It was founded and edited by Jules Roques and ran from 1884 to 1914. Many notable writers and artists contributed to the magazine including notable writes such as Maurice Bouchor, Raoul Ponchon, Georges Montorgueil, Hugues Delorme and Jean Lorrain and illustrators including Adolphe Willette, David Ossipovitch Widhopff, Jean-Louis Forain, Jules Chéret, Hermann-Paul, Henri Pille and Pierre Jeannot. Jules Chéret is responsible for the creation of this  poster. In it there is no doubt a message being told in the image. The Courrier Français poster features a smiling. horned satyr being enticed to sign a contract with the cherubium-like ‘Cherette’ complete with her bow and quiver full of arrows.

There are several designs using this same Cheret illustration. This one was created to promote an exhibition of 1200 original drawings featured in the Courrier Francais magazine. The poster informs that the Exhibition was open every day except Sundays. 

Jules Cheret considered the poster to be of a high enough quality to reprint it as a poster and include it in his Maitres d’Affiches series as Plate 49. 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 sheet, with the printer’s name, “Imprimerie Chaix,” in the margin at the bottom left hand corner.

Our posters are carefully and professionally created from vintage originals. Whilst great care is taken in the production of these posters, we also try to maintain a vintage feel, so there may be small imperfections, fold marks, scuffs, tears or marks that were part of the original poster master. If these do appear they should be visible on the larger views of the item on this listing. The originals of many of the posters we offer can cost many thousands of pounds, so whilst these posters look great, especially framed and mounted on a wall, they are intended as a fun, affordable reproductions and not intended fine art prints.

The 50x70cm version has been specially produced to be used in conjunction with Ikea’s 50x70cm Ribba picture frame which currently retails for around £12. So you can bag a bargain of print and frame for a great price.