Papier a Cigarettes, Job, 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 1896 fir the French rolling papers manufacturer. It’s a rare French advertising poster with original copies selling for in excess of £5,500. When the poster first  came out, the poster would have been fairly controversial because it features a beautiful , vivacious Parisienne woman, quite defiantly flouting convention and displaying her independence by smoking. The redhead in the poster was emblematic of Cheret’s Belle Epoque style with the model bearing a striking resemblance to the famous French cabaret singer and actress Yvette Guilbert.

The magnificent art print promoted JOB cigarette papers winning an award at the Exposition Universelle (World Fair) in Paris in 1889, the same year the Eiffel Tower was opened. This poster was considered of a high enough quality by Jules Chéret to  begin his Maitres d’Affiches series as Plate 1. 

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 poster for just £22.