Palais De Glace Champs Elysées 1893

Jules Chéret made this advertisement poster, promoting the Palais de Glace, most likely through the process of lithography. The choice of lithography wasn't arbitrary. As a printing technique, it allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, making it perfect for mass distribution. Look closely, and you will notice the dynamism in the lines and the vivid colors that jump off the surface. These visual characteristics are not just aesthetic choices, but rather integral to the poster's purpose. Chéret wasn't merely creating an image; he was crafting an enticing invitation to leisure and entertainment. In an era of burgeoning consumer culture, such posters played a crucial role in shaping public desires, and reflects the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society during the late 19th century. The poster blurs the lines between art and advertising, and it reminds us of the power of images in shaping our desires and driving consumer culture.