Dating from circa 1884, this original French poster promotes La Révolution, a dramatic poem and historical drama written by the Comte Ottevaere-Larcher. Published by E. Dentu at the Palais-Royal and printed in Paris by Imprimerie Paul Dupont, the work presented the events of the French Revolution as an ambitious theatrical and literary spectacle.
The poster employs a remarkably direct composition, printed in black against rose-coloured paper. Monumental typography dominates the upper section, while the centre contains a densely detailed allegorical image. A winged female figure rises above an animated group of soldiers, revolutionaries and historical characters, creating the appearance of a commemorative monument dedicated to the upheaval of 1789.
Ottevaere-Larcher’s drama followed the Revolution from the political career of Mirabeau to the fall of Robespierre. Published during the French Third Republic, the work appeared at a time when the memory and political legacy of the Revolution occupied an important place in French public culture. The poster accordingly combines the language of theatrical promotion with the solemn appearance of an official historical monument.
The central illustration is attributed to Yves & Barret, a Parisian partnership of reproductive engravers active during the second half of the nineteenth century. They developed a phototypographic reproduction process that enabled complex drawings and engravings to be reproduced for books, newspapers and other printed material. Their role should therefore be understood as that of engravers and graphic image makers rather than conventional poster artists.
With its powerful typography, unusual pink ground and densely symbolic imagery, this original poster is an evocative document of nineteenth-century French theatre, publishing and political culture. It will appeal particularly to collectors of French historical posters, Revolutionary memorabilia, antique theatre advertising and early graphic printing.
Original poster
Theater - Politics
Historical drama by Ottevaere
Larcher - Palais Royal
Paul Dupont - Paris
Good condition, traces of folds
Sign up & benefit from discounts or exclusive offers.