About

Although stone lithography was invented in 1797, Jules Cheret perfected the art form. Before the late 1880s lithography was primarily monotone. Adding the color process allowed the graphic arts to be elevated to another level. Many call him, “the father of the poster” due to his creativity and dedication for lithography. After 25 years, Cheret had refined lithography to high art.

Painters such as Pierre Bonnard and Toulouse Lautrec were awestruck by Cheret’s colorful and playful posters. Covering walls throughout Paris, the posters became a part of Parisian culture.

At the Turn of the 20th …