Chocolat Menier - Les Maîtres de l'affiche Pl. 47 Circa 1895

The original poster by Firmin Bouisset for Chocolat Menier, featured as Plate 47 in the prestigious Les Maîtres de l'Affiche series, is an iconic work of late 19th-century advertising art. Created by Firmin Bouisset, one of the foremost French poster artists of the Belle Époque, this design exemplifies the artistic innovation and charm that characterized commercial posters during the golden age of lithography.

Firmin Bouisset, renowned for his ability to blend artistic elegance with compelling commercial messaging, created this celebrated poster to promote Chocolat Menier, one of France’s most prominent chocolate brands. Founded in 1816, Chocolat Menier was a pioneer in both chocolate production and advertising, with Bouisset’s posters playing a pivotal role in shaping its visual identity and public appeal.

This particular design portrays a young girl writing the brand name "Chocolat Menier" in large letters on a wall with a piece of chalk. The childlike innocence of the scene, coupled with the simplicity of the message, created an immediate emotional connection with viewers. The use of a child as the focal point of the poster was both novel and highly effective, evoking nostalgia, warmth, and familial comfort—all qualities associated with the enjoyment of chocolate. Bouisset’s talent for capturing human emotion and everyday moments allowed him to transform this scene into an enduring symbol of the brand.

Executed in vibrant colors and clean lines, the poster exemplifies the technical mastery of lithography that defined the Les Maîtres de l'Affiche series. Commissioned between 1895 and 1900, Les Maîtres de l'Affiche (The Masters of the Poster) was a curated collection of 256 reduced-format lithographic reproductions of the era’s most celebrated poster designs, overseen by Jules Chéret, the father of modern poster art. Firmin Bouisset’s Chocolat Menier poster, as Plate 47, earned its place among the finest examples of the genre, highlighting the artistic and cultural importance of commercial advertising during this period.

The composition’s simplicity, with the chalk-writing girl set against a clear backdrop, allows the viewer’s focus to rest entirely on the brand name and the joyful act of writing it. Bouisset’s skillful use of bold yet harmonious colors ensures the design remains eye-catching and memorable. The poster’s enduring success lies in its ability to be simultaneously playful, timeless, and effective—qualities that made it an immediate favorite in its day and a highly sought-after collector’s item today.

Bouisset’s Chocolat Menier poster is not just a milestone in the history of advertising but also a testament to the evolution of graphic art in the late 19th century. It reflects the innovative spirit of the Belle Époque, a time when commercial posters were elevated to the status of fine art and artists like Bouisset became celebrated for their ability to blend creativity with commerce.

Today, the Chocolat Menier poster by Firmin Bouisset remains an iconic image, cherished by art collectors, poster enthusiasts, and historians alike. Its inclusion in Les Maîtres de l'Affiche cements its legacy as a masterpiece of early advertising art and a symbol of a bygone era when posters were not just advertisements but works of art that brought beauty to the streets of Paris and beyond.

Original Poster

Gastronomy - Advertising

Printed by Chaix

Very good condition