Jules Cheret Poster Appraisal

Jules Chéret: La Diaphane, Poudre de Riz (Sarah Bernhardt) Maîtres de l’Affiche Plate 121

This item is a color lithograph poster after the iconic 1890 design by Jules Chéret for 'La Diaphane' rice powder, featuring the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt. The artwork is characterized by the Belle Époque style, featuring a central figure of a woman in an elegant orange/red dress applied with a white powder puff, set against a vibrant blue and yellow background. The piece includes the 'Maîtres de l’Affiche' (Masters of the Poster) logo in the top right corner, consisting of the red 'M' monogram with a star, identifying it as Plate 121 from the famous collection published by l'Imprimerie Chaix between 1895 and 1900. The color palette consists of primary blues, yellows, and warm reds, which are hallmarks of Chéret’s 'Chérettes' style. The typography at the bottom reads 'La Diaphane, Poudre de Riz, Sarah Bernhardt, 32 Avenue de l’Opéra Paris.' Regarding condition, the paper shows significant signs of age-related yellowing (toning), particularly visible in the pale upper sections. There are distinct vertical and horizontal fold lines or creases through the center, suggesting it may have been folded at some point. The piece is currently displayed in a modern frame behind glass, which appears to have reflections from the surrounding environment. The craftsmanship of the original series used high-quality lithography on wove paper, measuring approximately 11 by 15 inches.