Original Antique French Stone Lithograph Plate 6 of Les Maîtres de l'Affiche

This genuine 19th century stone lithograph was produced in 1896 and features the embossed seal (blind stamp) of the printer (please see number 6, below), Imprimerie Chaix (1845-1965), a French publishing firm founded by Jules Chéret in 1866 and based at 20 Rue Bergère in Paris. They are best known for printing and publishing the famed series of Belle Epoque posters 'Les Maîtres de l'Affiche' (The Masters of the Poster), considered one of the most prestigious and influential art publications in history, which ran from 1895 to 1900 and included this poster.

The bistro scene of everyday Parisian life shown is typical of those of the artist Henri-Gabriel Ibels (1867-1936). (Note the soldiers in the background). It was originally published as Plate 6 in the Les Maîtres de l'Affiche series. There is a wealth of information on it, listed in order of our photos:

1) L'Escarmouche, Journal illustré Hebdomadaire {Illustrated Weekly Journal}. L'Escarmouche (The Skirmish) was a satirical, anarchist publication that appeared in print for only 3 months, from November 1893 to January 1894. The skirmish referred to the French marching toward the White Nile in Sudan to establish a French presence there.
2) Dessins de {Drawings by} such artists as Toulouse-Lautrec, Jean-Édouard Vuillard and Henri Gabriel Ibels, the artist who created this poster.
3) Cette affiche ne peut être apposée qu'a l'Interieur, elle ne peut être vendue, which translates to:
"This poster can only be displayed indoors; it cannot be sold." {Because of mysterious laws governing placards and posters, this image was never displayed on the streets but could only appear inside closed rooms.}
4) The signature in the plate of H.G. Ibels, along with "Le Numéro 20 Centimes" (The 20 Centime Issue).
5) Imprimerie Chaix Encres Lorilleux (the publisher used Lorilleux inks (encres), high-quality printing inks produced by the firm Lorilleux & Cie, established in 1818 in Paris).
6) The embossed blind stamp, which reads: 'Les Maîtres de l'Affiche' and 'Imprimerie Chaix,' part of which is obscured by the outlined figure of a seated printmaker. The seal differentiates and authenticates the original 1890's lithographic plates from later reproductions, certifying them as part of the authorized Les Maîtres de l'Affiche subscription series.

The visible print size is 15 inches by 11 inches. The double cut mat is 3 1/4 inches wide, with an inner mat in a taupe color and an outer mat decorated with narrow double gold stripes. IT IS IMPORTANT to note that after struggling with various lighting situations, we settled on the ones shown. The mat color actually has more of a medium olive tone.

The framed size is 24 inches by 20 inches; the wooden frame is covered with a beautiful deep brown burl veneer. The reverse side is well-sealed and has a hanging wire installed. The artwork weighs 10 pounds and is in outstanding condition, with no stains, tears or other issues. The glass is pristine, as is the frame, save a few tiny nicks in the wood.

This original nineteenth century lithograph has exceptional historical and artistic value and adds elegance and sophistication to any room in your home.

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