Original circa 1890 poster by E. Hen, announcing the Tournée Charles Baret – Antoine, printed by G. Gérin Fils in Dijon and Paris. This lithographic design advertises the touring performances featuring the renowned actor André Antoine, a revolutionary figure in French theatre known for founding the Théâtre Libre in 1887 and championing naturalist staging and performance techniques.
The poster portrays Antoine in a confident stance, wearing an elegant three-piece suit with his hands in his pockets, exuding quiet authority. Around him are vignetted illustrations of characters from the plays in the repertoire, including L’Âge Difficile, Blanchette, and Tante Léontine, adorned with botanical accents and set against a warm sepia-toned background. The bold typography and sophisticated composition reflect the Belle Époque aesthetic, merging realism and decorative flourishes typical of theatre promotion in late 19th-century France.
Little is documented about E. Hen, but his lithographic works capture the rich theatrical culture of the period with stylistic precision and promotional clarity. His posters often combine portraiture with narrative elements to create an immediate visual story that engages both theatre-goers and passers-by.
This rare poster is a testament to Antoine’s cultural significance and the thriving theatrical life of fin-de-siècle Paris, making it an exceptional piece for collectors of antique poster art, Belle Époque ephemera, or historical theatre memorabilia. Its detailed rendering, dignified subject, and nostalgic palette encapsulate the artistic and intellectual dynamism of the era.
Show - France
The Difficult Age, Blanchette, Aunt Léontine
Printed by G. Gerin fils in Dijon
Bon étattraces de plis, restaurations
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