Les Maitres de L’Affiche, Pl. 13, Saxoléine 1895

Editor: This is “Les Maitres de L’Affiche, Pl. 13, Saxoléine,” a lithograph poster created by Jules Chéret in 1895. The figure seems to glow amidst these very earthy tones. What can you tell me about it? Curator: What I see is a complex interplay of gender, commercialism, and artistic expression embedded within the rise of consumer culture in the late 19th century. Editor: How so? Curator: The figure, bathed in soft hues, is undeniably captivating, but we need to think about how women's bodies were often used to sell products. It is not enough to appreciate its beauty and be blind to how gender stereotypes might be reinforced to further consumption. Editor: I see, the representation of women in advertising is often linked to broader societal expectations. Curator: Precisely. Chéret's work exemplifies the Art Nouveau style, and it actively contributed to and mirrored societal views on women, consumerism, and the emerging visual landscape of the time. I encourage viewers to question the roles assigned to figures, how they interact with objects of desire, and what underlying power dynamics might be at play. What do you think about that connection? Editor: It's really important to acknowledge these considerations and to invite discussions about how art and commerce intersect and impact on contemporary viewers. Curator: Indeed, hopefully visitors are inspired to consider the poster in relation to other art that makes you pause.