Jules Chéret, "Father of the Modern Poster," ALS

Jules Chéret, "Father of the Modern Poster," ALS to His Goddaughter

A 2pp autograph letter in French inscribed overall and signed by celebrated French print maker and poster artist Jules Chéret (1836-1932) as "Jules Chéret" near the bottom of the second page. Dated April 18, 1919, and presumably written in Nice, France on bifold stationery paper with "Villa Marie Antoinette / Avenue St. Laurent, Nice" letterhead. Expected light paper folds and a few ghost ink impressions, else near fine. 10.5" x 7.125." Accompanied by the colorful detached front cover of a publication cataloguing Chéret's Belle Époque posters. Provenance: Ex-Noel Goldblatt (ca. 1926-2003) of the famous Goldblatt's Department Store, to a prominent Los Angeles, California collector.

Jules Chéret, then in his 80s, wrote his goddaughter Jeanne from his retreat on the French Riviera.

Translated in part: "Thank you my dear Jeanne for your good wishes which really touched me. You can believe that your faithful affection is, according to me, well perfected. I am happy to see you in the happiness which you so merit, by the side of a husband and a son to whom I feel sympathetic…"

Jules Chéret, with his hugely popular and widely disseminated posters advertising the cabarets, restaurants, and music halls of turn-of-the-century Paris, created many iconic visuals. His use of typography, imagery, color, and design earned Chéret the title of "father of the modern poster." He is credited with elevating the poster from an ephemeral marketing tool into a true art form.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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