JULES CHERET (1836-1932) SAXOLEINE. 1892. 48 7/8x34 3/8 inches. Chaix, Paris. Condition A-: sharp vertical and horizontal folds. Framed. At the end of the 19th century, many industrial tycoons were also patrons of the arts. Maurice Fenaille (1855-1937) was one such figure, whose parafin for gas lights (Saxoliene) and petrol for cars (Benzomoteur) were leading products on the market. He was both a friend to and collector of works by Rodin, and gave very generously to the French government. He also had a close relationship with Cheret, who designed frescoes for him as well as posters to help sell his many products. Between 1891 and 1900 Cheret designed twenty images for Saxoleine. Year after year Cheret helped build the company's image, ensuring immediate recognition, by using the same concept of a woman holding a lamp. However, in each poster, the color of the lamp shade, the color of the woman's dress or her stance with the lamp is changed.
