Artwork
Au Quartier Latin
Au Quartier Latin is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Jules Chéret. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1894, *Au Quartier Latin* is a color lithograph by Jules Chéret, a pivotal figure in the development of the modern poster during France’s Belle Époque. The print measures roughly a typical poster size of the period and was issued as a charitable sale item priced at two francs. Its bold composition and vivid palette exemplify Chéret’s influence on public visual culture.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a bustling dance scene populated by four stylized performers.
The image depicts a bustling dance scene populated by four stylized performers. A central female figure in a luminous yellow gown and oversized feathered hat holds a flower, while a man in a red coat and a Santa‑style cap mirrors her movement. The backdrop features a green sky streaked with wavy lines and scattered stars, suggesting an exuberant nocturnal atmosphere typical of Parisian cabaret entertainment.
Technique & Style
Executed through the multi‑stone lithographic process, Chéret layered separate color plates to achieve the work’s bright, saturated tones. His approach blends painterly gestures with the mechanical precision of printmaking, allowing for fluid lines and dynamic poses. The exaggerated proportions and rhythmic arrangement of figures reflect the artist’s signature blend of illustration and advertising, aimed at catching the eye of passersby.
History & Provenance
Issued as a charity poster, the print was sold for two francs, a modest price intended to encourage broad public participation. While specific ownership records are limited, the work remains associated with Chéret’s prolific output of promotional imagery for Parisian nightlife venues, reinforcing his reputation as the “father of the modern poster.”
Artist & collection
Artist
Jules Chéret (31 May 1836 – 23 September 1932) was a French painter and lithographer who became a master of Belle Époque poster art. He has been called the father of the modern poster.
