JULES CHÉRET (1836-1932) CONCERT AMBASSADEURS. 1883. 48 1/2x34 1/2 inches, 123x87 cm. Chaix, Paris. Condition B+: restoration and minor overpainting along vertical and horizontal folds. The Ambassadeurs, a summer theatre, opened in 1874 and was the most elegant café concert on the Champs Elyseés. By the 1890s it was attracting Paris' most famous performers, Yvette Guilbert and Aristide Bruant among them. But in the 1880s it had yet to achieve such fame and the nightly programs featured a succession of little-known performers. Cheret's well-organized design helps put forth a long list of the acts in an entertaining and captivating manner. His signature buxom woman, a lyre and irresistible children, all depicted as playing cards. As early as 1891, this poster was considered rare, as Sagot had it listed in his catalogue that year for 15 francs, which was quite expensive. Broido 198, Maindron 175, Reims 269.
