VARIOUS ARTISTS LES MAÎTRES DE L'AFFICHE. Group of 5 complete volumes. 1896-1900. Each volume approximately 15 1/2x12 1/4x 3/4 inches, 39 1/2x31x2 cm. Chaix, Paris. Condition varies, generally A / A-: slight toning on some plates; minor wear to covers; collector's label on top left cover of each. Bound in original bindings. The Maîtres de l'Affiche were small format reproductions of what were, ostensibly, the best and most famous posters from around Europe and America as selected by the famous critic (and poster supporter) Roger Marx. They were printed by the Chaix publishing house as a concession to the growing craze of poster collecting at the end of the 19th century. Each of the plates is a full color lithograph printed on high quality paper. The series was published from 1896-1900, during which time subscribers would receive four new plates each month. In all, there are 256 plates in the series, 240 of which depict posters and the other 16 are supplements, designed specifically for subscribers. The appeal of the Maîtres was, and remains, their small, easy-to-collect format. These are bound in the special bindings designed by Paul Berthon, which were offered to subscribers. It is one of his most elegant designs and a desirable set. As these volumes are frequently broken up so the individual plates can be sold, it has become rarer and rarer to find complete sets. From the Julius Paul Collection, with the collector's label on front cover of each volume, Albertina stamp on the title page and final plate in each volume. Art Nouveau p. 32, Arwas 79.
