L’Ermitage – Paul Berthon – 1897

L’Ermitage poster – Paul Berthon – 1897 .

This is a reproduction of a lithograph, by the French Art Nouveau artist, Paul Berthon. It is titled “L’Ermitage” or “L’Ermitage Revue Illustree” andis widely considered to be Berthon’s masterpiece. The piece was originally created for the cover of a magazine. L’Ermitage was a monthly literary review that was published in Paris, France between 1890 and 1907.

The magazine covered subjects including poetry, plays and the visual arts, choosing to commission  Art Nouveau illustrations to grace the covers. Berthon features a woman with long flowing red hair and white lily’s as a symbol of innocence, beauty and purity for his cover design.

Jules Cheret considered the 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 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.