Le Chat Noir c1895 French Theatre Advertising Poster Henri Riviere

One of our favs from the new collection. We j'adore this original Le Chat Noir French theatre poster, circa 1895, which is a wonderfully evocative piece of Parisian poster art. With its striking black cat border, bold typography and instantly recognisable Belle Epoque character, it captures the wit, style and theatrical energy of fin-de-siecle Paris.

Le Chat Noir was one of the most famous cabarets in Paris, a legendary meeting place for artists, writers and performers in Montmartre. More than simply a theatre, it became a symbol of bohemian Paris, helping define the spirit of the age and inspiring some of the most memorable advertising imagery of the period.

The design is by Henri Riviere, one of the key artistic figures associated with Le Chat Noir. His work helped shape the look of French poster design at the end of the 19th century, combining decorative flair, strong silhouette and graphic simplicity to remarkable effect. That distinctly French approach made posters of this era not just advertisements, but works of art in their own right.

Rare, characterful and full of historic charm, this original Le Chat Noir poster is an outstanding piece for collectors of French poster art, theatre memorabilia and classic Parisian design.

One of the oldest posters we have handled, it is in incredibly good condition for its age. Originally folded singularly down the centre (as issued), now professionally linen-backed. It is sized 15 3/4 x 22 inches (plus a little with the linen) and will be sent rolled (unframed).

• Year: c1985
  
• Poster Type: French Theatre Poster
  
• Style: -
  
• Art By: Henri Riviere
  
• Rolled/Folded/Other: Rolled Linen-backed
  
• Condition: Near Mint/Mint
  
• Condition Details: Extremely light touch-up to fold and very little paper repair on top left corner. Really superb.