Jules Chéret

Jules Chéret (1836-1932) was a French artist and lithographer who is widely considered to be the father of the modern poster. Born in Paris, he trained as a lithographer under his father before establishing his own lithography firm in 1866. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative use of color and his ability to create eye-catching images that effectively promoted the products and events they advertised.

Chéret's breakthrough came in 1878 when he created a poster for the Le Mirliton cabaret in Montmartre, which featured a colorful, joyful image of a woman dancing. This poster was an instant sensation, and soon Chéret was creating posters for a wide range of clients, including theaters, music halls, and consumer products. He also established his own printing workshop, which became one of the largest and most successful in Paris.

Over the course of his career, Chéret created thousands of posters, many of which are now considered masterpieces of the art form. He was known for his ability to capture the spirit of the Belle Époque, with its lively nightlife, fashion, and entertainment. His posters were characterized by their bright colors, graceful figures, and sense of movement and joy.