Olympia Brighton poster – PAL – Maitres de l’Affiche Plate 35
This fabulous Olympia Brighton poster is the work of Jean de Paleologue. Born in Bucharest, he trained in England before returning to Romania to attend a military academy. Perhaps better known by his artistic pseudonym PAL, the Romanian painter, illustrator, and cartoonist is renowned for his influential poster designs.
His work also appeared in many periodicals, including Vanity Fair, Strand Magazine, New York Herald Tribune, Plume, Rire, Cocorico, and Vie en Rose.
L’Olympia… the first Parisian music hall.
L’Olympia first raised its theatre curtains on 12 April 1893. A cut above the city’s dusty fairgrounds, cafe concerts and rowdy taverns, the venue boasted a 2,000-capacity audience, making it a grand space for entertainment. Named L’Olympia, the lavish building was inaugurated as the first Parisian music hall.
The music hall was opened by one of the two co-creators of the Moulin Rouge venue and saw many opera, ballet, and music hall performances. L’Olympia regularly featured ventriloquists, juggler acts, acrobats and cross-dressers. It staged numerous ballets, revues, operettas and pantomimes. Stars of the day including Loie Fuller, La Goulue, Leopoldo Fregoli, Ouvrard, and Mistinguett were regularly billed at the venue. The Olympia also scheduled appearances by artists such as La Belle Otero, Émilienne d’Alençon, and Liane de Pougy.
1893 Olympia Brighton poster
Created in the venue’s opening year, this vintage Olympia Brighton poster dates back to within the first eight months of operation. In it, the artist, PAL, takes his experience in England, as inspiration for a poster advertising a Grand Ballet titled “Brighton”. The image depicts two flame-haired dancing the can-can along the West Pier at Brighton.
The dancing twins are dressed identically in corsets, black stockings, and short, flared red dresses. Their outfits are complemented by ostrich feather headbands, high heels and bright red parasols which protect the young women from the radiant sunshine.
Watching children, enthralled by the performance begin to mimic the dancers. Dancing barefoot with bucket and spade in hand and umbrellas over their shoulder the small crowd are captivated by the unfolding scene.
The Olympia Brighton poster explains that the Grand Ballet: “Brighton” was written and arranged by Léopold Wenzel. Born in Italy, the Italian conductor and composer spent most of his career working in London, where he conducted at the Gaiety Theatre, London until 1913.
Pal’s Olympia Brighton poster, a masterpiece from Maîtres de l’Affiche Plate 35
Jean de Paleologue’s Olympia Brighton poster was considered prestigious enough to be reprinted and sold as Plate 35 of Jules Chéret’s Maitres 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 sheets, with the printer’s name, “Imprimerie Chaix,” in the margin at the bottom left-hand corner.
How much is an original Jean de Paleologue Olympia Brighton poster worth?
Vintage posters combine artistic flair with historical interest, but unlike art pieces, their value depends on more than just looks. Originality is key – only first printing runs count as collectables. Condition matters too – rips, tears, and fading bring down the price (except for super rare posters). Scarcity is another factor – fewer copies, higher value. And just like paintings, famous artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Alphonse Mucha and Roger Broders boost the price. Popular themes like Art Deco, travel, and war propaganda are also in demand. Finally, early printing methods like stone lithography can add value, especially for pre-war posters.
Unusually the price of the PAL Olympia Brighton poster vary significantly. We have seen original litho prints sell for as little as £600 and go up to almost $5,000. So, if you want an original and are prepared to keep your eye on the market, it appears possible to bag a copy at a bargain price.
Owning an original must be an incredible feeling and, over time, could even turn out to be a profitable investment. However, the truth is that original vintage poster prices are simply out of reach for most people.
This is where our fabulous high-quality reproduction prints come into their own. They capture the essence and the undeniable charisma of the original poster. You get the same intricate details, impactful imagery and iconic typography… but best of all they cost a fraction of an original and still look absolutely fantastic when they’re framed and hung on your living room wall.
Add a bit of Brighton Pier “French chic” to your home decor. Order your reproduction Olympia Brighton poster today!
