JULES CHERET MONTAGNES RUSSES / DANSEUSES ESPAGNOLES. 1889.

49x34 1/2 inches. Chaix, Paris.
Condition B: restored losses along vertical and horizontal folds; restoration and overpainting in margins; restoration in image.
The Montagnes Russe was a roller coaster, based on an American patent, that opened in Paris in 1888 on the Boulevard des Capucines--in the center of the grand boulevard district. For the 1889 exhibition, which attracted millions of visitors to the Eiffel Tower, organizers tried to hire special attractions for their showplaces and the Montagnes Russes chose an exotic troupe of Rumanian gypsies (for whom Cheret also designed a poster. See Swann Auction #1991, lot 22). When the Rumanian show ended, the Montagnes Russes produced a show of Spanish dancers, which Cheret promoted through this image. When the Montagnes Russes closed in 1892 it was replaced by the Olympia, a music hall, and Cheret designed the poster announcing its opening as well. Broido 344, Maindron 253, DFP II 182.