The 1895 original poster for Absinthe Mugnier, designed by Lefèvre, is a stunning example of Belle Époque advertising. Included as Plate 135 in the prestigious Les Maîtres de l’Affiche collection, this lithograph captures the vibrant and evocative aesthetic of late 19th-century commercial art. This poster was created by Lefèvre and printed by Imprimerie Chaix in Paris, a renowned workshop responsible for many of the most iconic posters of the era. Measuring approximately 40 x 28 cm, this lithograph was produced in a smaller format than the original street posters, making it accessible to collectors and art enthusiasts of the time. During the Belle Époque, absinthe was at the height of its popularity, and brands such as Mugnier commissioned striking poster designs to capture the attention of Parisian society. Featuring bold colors, elegant typography, and dynamic composition, this lithograph exemplifies the artistry of poster design in the 1890s, a golden age for French advertising. The strong visual appeal of this poster, with its lively style, reflects the broader trend of advertising artworks that blurred the lines between commercial and fine art. Les Maîtres de l’Affiche was a highly influential publication that ran from 1895 to 1900, overseen by Jules Chéret, often called the father of the modern poster. This collection featured 256 plates showcasing reduced versions of the finest posters of the time, selected from leading artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Alphonse Mucha, Pierre Bonnard, and Chéret himself. Issued in monthly series, it provided a way for collectors to access and appreciate the best in contemporary poster art. Today, Les Maîtres de l’Affiche remains one of the most significant records of the Golden Age of Poster Art, with individual plates, like this Absinthe Mugnier, being highly sought after. As a sought-after collector’s piece, this lithograph is a remarkable artifact of both artistic and cultural history. Alcohol - Colony The masters of the poster pl.135 Printed by Chaix in Paris Very good condition
