This captivating original lithographic poster by Cazals, created for the 7th Exposition of the Salon des Cent (Salon des 100) in December 1894, offers a rare glimpse into the vibrant Parisian art scene of the late 19th century. Held at 31 rue Bonaparte, the Salon was known for promoting avant-garde illustrators, symbolist artists, and poster designers at the heart of the Art Nouveau movement. Cazals, a close friend and collaborator of Paul Verlaine, brings a satirical and expressive flair to the image. Two elegantly dressed men, likely caricatures of the era's cultural elite, are depicted viewing a wall densely packed with artworks. The figure in the foreground, dressed in a red scarf and holding a bowler hat, is rendered with the fine line work and muted tones characteristic of fin-de-siècle lithography. The Salon des 100, organized by the art and literary magazine La Plume, played a pivotal role in promoting modern poster art and served as a platform for major talents like Toulouse-Lautrec, Mucha, and Grasset. Cazals’ poster, with its observational humor and stylish detail, reflects not only the visual culture of the time but also the intellectual sophistication of the bohème artistique of Paris. Printed by Imprimerie Chaix and marked “Les Maîtres de l’Affiche” (Plate 15), this piece is highly collectible today as a part of the legendary Maîtres de l’Affiche series curated by Jules Chéret. A gem for collectors of Belle Époque posters, literary art, or early exhibition ephemera, this work beautifully encapsulates the spirit of 1890s Montmartre and the flourishing of graphic art in France. Exhibition - France The masters of posters Pl.15 Printed by Chaix Good condition, moisture stains
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