Salon des cent exposition de dessins originaux et d'estampes 1896

In the heart of 19th-century Paris, the art scene flourished with an unparalleled vibrancy, attracting connoisseurs and creators from around the globe. One pivotal event that captured this artistic fervor was the Salon des Cent, an exhibition renowned for showcasing original drawings and prints. Among the standout pieces promoting this event was a lithograph by the acclaimed Belgian artist Armand Rassenfosse, numbered 29 out of a limited edition of 50 and signed by the artist himself.

This lithograph, created for the "Exposition de Dessins Originaux et d'Estampes" held at the Hall de la Revue "La Plume" at 31 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, is a masterful example of Art Nouveau design. The poster's central figure, a nude woman holding a diminutive fairy-like figure on her hand, immediately draws the viewer's eye. This juxtaposition of the ethereal and the corporeal symbolizes the transformative power of art, a common theme in Rassenfosse's work.

The use of warm, earthy tones and fluid lines in the lithograph exemplifies the Art Nouveau style, which sought to harmonize artistic creativity with the natural world. The absence of text, characteristic of a "before the letter" print, allows the viewer to focus entirely on the intricate details and the emotional resonance of the artwork. The fact that this piece is hand-signed and part of a limited edition adds to its rarity and value, making it a coveted collector's item.

The Salon des Cent, held from November 9 to the end of December 1896, was a significant cultural moment, inviting the public to immerse themselves in the world of original art and prints. Fridays were reserved as special viewing days with an entry fee of one franc, while other days offered access for fifty centimes, making art accessible to a broader audience.

Rassenfosse’s lithograph for this exhibition highlights his skill not just as an artist, but as a visual communicator adept at capturing the essence of an event in a single image. His work is a testament to the enduring appeal of Art Nouveau and its impact on poster art as a medium.

Today, this lithograph is more than a promotional piece; it is a window into the artistic culture of late 19th-century Paris. It stands as a historical artifact that offers insight into the era’s aesthetic values and the vibrant art community that characterized the time.

In the annals of art history, Armand Rassenfosse's lithograph for the Salon des Cent, especially a hand-signed limited edition, remains a celebrated piece, illustrating the power of visual art to capture and convey the essence of an artistic movement. Its legacy continues to inspire appreciation for the convergence of art and life during a pivotal moment in cultural history.

Exhibition - Literature - France

Hall of the magazine "La plume" - Before the letter, numbered 29 out of 50 and signed by hand

Good condition, slight creases