Le Journal Publie Le Coupable affiche 1896
Poster: Le Journal Publie Le Coupable – Theophile Alexandre Steinlen – Le Maîtres de l’Affiche Plate 134
This is a great reproduction of a rare poster advertising a serialised novel by French writer François Coppée. The Le Coupable (the Guilty) novel was first published in Le Journal in 1896. Le Journal (The Journal) was a Parisian daily newspaper published from 1892 to 1944 in a small, four-page format. As the advertising poster reads Le Journal cost just 5c per issue.
No less than five of Theophile Alexandre Steinlen’s artworks were selected by the artist and lithographer Jules Cheret for inclusion in his famous Maitres de L”Affiche. This vintage French poster was considered worthy enough to be included as Plate 134 of 256 posters in the classic Maitres de l’affiches series.
Le Maîtres de l’Affiche
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.
Poster artist Theophile Alexandre Steinlen
The original poster was designed by the Swiss-born artist Theophile Alexandre Steinlen, who is considered one of the greatest poster designers of the Belle Epoque era. Theophile Stienlen was a prolific artist who worked in a variety of mediums. He produced images for books, periodicals, paintings, lithographs, as well as sculpting bronzes.However, he is probably best known for his poster designs, especially those that featured his famous cat illustrations.
Some of his most famous works are his 1894 A La Bodiniere print, his 1895 Compagnie Francaise des Chocolats et des Thes lithograph and his poster for Motocycles Comiot created in 1899. Other notable works include his poster for Nestlés Milk, his famous Cocorico poster and his huge cats and dogs poster for the veterinary surgery, Clinique Chéron in 1905. However, by far his most famous work is his Tournée du Chat Noir lithograph for the Belle Epoque French Nightclub.
Today, many of Steinlen’s posters are considered to be important works of art, and are highly sought after.
Le Coupable, a novel by François Coppée.
Le Coupable was a novel written by François Coppée and published in 1896. The novel tells the story of Pierre Dumont, a man who is accused of a crime he did not commit. Pierre is put on trial and sentenced to death, but he manages to escape from prison and sets out to clear his name. Along the way, he meets many interesting characters and has many adventures. The poster for the novel, which was designed by Stienlen, features Pierre Dumont in profile, looking determined and justice-seeking. At the top of the poster are the words “Le Coupable” and below the image the poster reads ” Roman Inédit de François Coppée”. This simple but eye-catching design does a good job of summing up the novel’s plot and enticing potential readers.
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 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 £15. So you can bag a bargain of print and frame for a great price.
