Artwork
La Fille Élisa; Conte de Noël
La Fille Élisa; Conte de Noël is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Jules Chéret. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
On the right, a crowd gathers around a stage with a tower and trees, labeled *Théâtre Libre* and dated *Décembre 1890*.
This poster shows two busy scenes. On the left, a woman in a flowing dress holds a banner that says *Courrier Français*. She’s surrounded by swirling lines and figures, like dancers or performers. On the right, a crowd gathers around a stage with a tower and trees, labeled *Théâtre Libre* and dated *Décembre 1890*.
The artist used bold lines and limited colors—mostly browns—to create movement and energy. The text hints this was for a theater or newspaper event.
Next, check out lithography to see how artists like Chéret made prints like this.
Overview
La Fille Élisa; Conte de Noël is a 1890 lithograph by Jules Chéret, executed in light brown and red-brown on wove paper. Characteristic of Chéret's work, it combines dynamic composition with restrained color palette to convey energy.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph presents two interconnected scenes: a woman with a *Courrier Français* banner amidst swirling figures, and a *Théâtre Libre* stage scene dated December 1890. Together, they suggest promotion for a specific theatrical or journalistic event.
Technique & Style
Chéret employs bold lines and a limited brown-dominated color scheme to create a sense of movement. This approach reflects his innovative blend of artistic expression and commercial appeal in late 19th-century lithography.
History & Provenance
Created in 1890 during the Belle Époque, the work exemplifies Chéret's leading role in modern poster art. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Produced within the vibrant cultural landscape of late 19th-century France, *La Fille Élisa* taps into the era's theatrical and artistic fervor, likely serving as promotional material for *Théâtre Libre* or *Courrier Français*.
Legacy
As a work by 'the father of the modern poster,' *La Fille Élisa* contributes to Chéret's influential legacy in poster art, highlighting the evolution of lithography as a medium for both art and advertisement.
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.
Untitled
Untitled
La Comédie de l'amour
H Beard Print Collection
La Brebis; Le Tandem
Paris Almanac, 1897: Decorative Border, Spring
Chevalerie rustique; L'Amante du Christ; Marié; Les Bouchers
Brand
L'Ame invisible; Mademoiselle Fifi
La Fumée, puis la flamme
La Fille d'Artaban; La Nébuleuse; Dialogue inconnu![La Meule; Jeune premier! [recto], by Charles Decaux](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/charles-decaux--la-meule-jeune-premier-recto--6473ebd1ba62054c-w320.webp)
La Meule; Jeune premier! [recto]