It is important to remember that you are buying an original vintage fine art poster an not a reproduction of any kind. We do not use terms like “mint” or “near mint” condition, as they are highly subjective. Each of our pieces is photographed in high quality so you can zoom in and view the poster in greater detail. In addition we use the following IVPDA (International Vintage Poster Dealers Association) approved condition rating system:
"A" Condition: the poster is in fine condition. The colours are fresh and there is no paper loss. If there is a slight tear, or folds, it is very unobtrusive.
"B" Condition: the poster is in good condition. The colours are acceptable. While slight paper loss maybe evident, it does not distract from the image. Restoration, if any, is not immediately apparent.
"C" Condition: the poster is in fair condition. Colours are faded, and there are signs of more extensive restoration. Existing folds are more visible, and possibly minor paper loss.
We further use '+' or '-' to more precisely describe the condition of a particular item (e.g.: B+). On top of this, we describe any “condition particularities” for individual pieces on its product page.
We apply the above condition rating system to all our posters and prints. If you have additional questions regarding our piece’s condition, we invite you to submit any inquiries.
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Les Maitres de L'Affiche - 1897 Planche # 55 - Electricine - Eclairage de Luxe (Luxury Lighting)
About the poster:
Lucien Lefèvre, along with Georges Meunier, Lucien Baylac and Rene Pean, was one of Jules Cheret's disciples who all worked as part of the creative team at the Chaix printing plant. Such a stable of impressive artists gave Chaix the opportunity to line up major accounts to try and replicate Cheret's successes. Electricine, a manufacturer of lamp oil, is a good example. One of Cheret's biggest accounts was Saxoleine, which precluded him for designing advertising for competing products. So the account was passed on to Lefevre and Baylac, who could advertise the product in the style of Cheret without any conflict of interest! And this image really does replicate Cheret's style, with the colors, the drawing and the use of the vertical format all being classic components of the Cheret school. DFP II 513.
About Les Maitres de L'Affiche:
Maîtres de l'Affiche (Masters of the Poster) refers to 256 color lithographic plates used to create an art publication during the Belle Époque in Paris, France. The collection, reproduced from the original works of ninety-seven artists in a smaller 11 x 15 inch format, was put together by Jules Chéret, the father of poster art. The varied selection of prints were sold in packages of four and delivered monthly to subscribers. On sixteen occasions during the selling period between December 1895 through November 1900, the monthly package included a bonus of a specially created lithograph.
Particulars: Each original Maîtres de l'Affiche lithograph has an embossed stamp in the bottom right corner and was printed on thick paper
It has been professionally conserved by going through a de-acidification and cleaning bath (see poster and print conservation and restoration)