JULES CHERET (1836-1932) [HIPPODROME / LE CHAT BOTTE.] Pre 1877.

22 1/2x16 1/2 inches. J. Cheret, Paris.
Condition A.
A joyful image, and very early work by Jules Cheret, advertising a performance at the Hippodrome. The simple color scheme, with the gradation in the background and the bright red color to catch a viewer's eye were typical of Cheret's posters at that time. As the poster bears the printer's mark "J. Cheret - Rue Brunel," we know that it must have been printed between 1869 and 1877, when Cheret's presses were at that location. Cherished even in its day, this early and rare Cheret was offered by Sagot for the high price of 20 francs in 1891. A second, later, version of this poster exists, in larger format, showing a similar Puss-in-Boots holding a rabbit in his paw. This is the version before lettering. Broido 378.