Palais de Glace 1896

Created by Jules Chéret and issued in this format in 1896, this original French poster advertises the Palais de Glace, the fashionable indoor ice-skating rink situated on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. This particular edition was published as a supplement to Le Courrier Français on March 1, 1896, and printed in color lithography by Imprimerie Chaix.

Chéret places an elegantly dressed skater at the centre of the composition. She glides forward in a magnificent red-and-gold striped dress trimmed with fur, accompanied by an imposing fox-fur stole and an extravagant black hat decorated with a red bow. A gentleman in a top hat follows closely behind, while the sharply simplified silhouette of another skater introduces an additional sensation of speed.

The woman’s swirling skirt, tilted posture and visible skate give the image its remarkable movement. Brilliant areas of orange, yellow and red contrast with the deep blue typography and the darker figures surrounding her. Chéret allows the fashionable skater to dominate the poster, presenting ice skating not simply as a sport but as an elegant social entertainment associated with modern Parisian life.

Jules Chéret (1836–1932) was one of the most influential figures in the history of graphic design and is widely regarded as a pioneer of the modern advertising poster. His spirited female figures, popularly known as “Chérettes,” became symbols of the energy and pleasures of Belle Époque Paris. Through his mastery of color lithography, expressive drawing and integrated typography, he transformed the streets of the French capital into an open-air gallery.

With its documented 1896 publication date, Le Courrier Français inscription and important Chaix printing, this original poster is particularly appealing to collectors of Jules Chéret, Belle Époque advertising and Parisian cultural history. Its vibrant palette and graceful skating subject also make it an exceptional decorative work for collectors of vintage sporting and winter imagery.

Original Poster

Art Nouveau - Fashion - Paris

Champs Elysees - Supplement at the number of the French courier

Chaix Paris

Good condition, folds