Musée Grévin Pantomimes lumineuses théâtre optique de E. Reynaud 1896

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A dazzling celebration of early cinema, Jules Chéret’s 1896 lithograph for Émile Reynaud’s Pantomimes Lumineuses at the Musée Grévin is one of the most iconic images in the celebra ted Les Maîtres de l’Affiche series. Chéret, often called the “father of the modern poster,” captures the wonder and whimsy of Reynaud’s invention with his signature style—flowing figures, vibrant color, and boundless movement. The poster advertises Reynaud’s Théâtre Optique, a pioneering animation projection system that predates traditional film as we know it. Long before the Lumière brothers stunned audiences with their cinematograph, Reynaud was enchanting Parisians with hand-painted filmstrips and storytelling sequences that brought illustrations to life. The music for these light pantomimes was composed by Gaston Paulin, adding a rich auditory layer to the spectacle. Floating in a kaleidoscope of stars, the central figure—a graceful female muse—seems to emerge from light itself, suggesting the transformative power of the new medium. Chéret’s use of dynamic color gradients and swirling ribbons communicates a dreamlike quality, perfectly aligning with the enchantment of optical theater. This poster is more than advertisement—it is a visual tribute to the birth of animated film and to a cultural moment in which science, art, and fantasy converged. It remains a highlight not only of Chéret’s prolific career but also of the entire Les Maîtres de l’Affiche collection. Show - Cabaret - Cinema The masters of the poster Pl. 41 - Music by Gaston Paulin Printed by Chaix Good condition, small stains in the right margin Show more