The complete set of 256 lithographs in five volumes, 240 printed in colors, all on wove paper
France, 1896-1900
After posters by ninety-seven artists including Jules Chéret (1836-1932), Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901), Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), Paul Berthon (1872-1909), Eugène Grasset (1841-1917), Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923) and the Beggarstaff Brothers
Les Maîtres de l'Affiche, Volumes I-V
Published by L’Imprimerie Chaix, Paris, with blindstamp lower right of each plate
Each volume with original pale green cloth binding with designs by Paul Berthon, title page, preface by Roger Marx, list of plates and index
Lugt 1777c
Dimensions, each overall: 16 x 12 in. (40.6 x 30.5 cm.)

The second half of the nineteenth century in France saw a great rise in enthusiasm for poster art. By the 1890s, posters animated many of Paris’ boulevards and inspired numerous publications documenting the thriving art form. The most famous of these publications was Les Maîtres de l'Affiche, which was offered in monthly installments from December 1895 to November 1900. Over the sixty issues, ninety-seven artists were represented with lithographs of their posters. The complete set of two hundred and fifty-six lithographs is presented here in five volumes, each with the original green cloth binding with designs by Paul Berthon.

The full sheets, the sheets slightly toned, some time staining at the sheet edges, a few plates with minor nicks and tears, generally in good condition. Each volume complete with the original pale green cloth covers, with surface dirt, staining and some scuffing, two lacking the original cloth ties.