Les grands boulevards Circa 1895

This circa 1895 original poster titled "Les Grands Boulevards", created by the renowned French illustrator SEM (Georges Goursat), captures the vibrant and atmospheric essence of Parisian nightlife at the turn of the century. With a masterful blend of impressionistic strokes, bold contrasts, and expressive characters, the artwork immerses viewers in the bustling heart of Belle Époque Paris.

The scene is set on a rainy evening along the grand boulevards, where a crowd of Parisians huddles under umbrellas, braving the wet streets to partake in the city's renowned nightlife. The foreground is dominated by two striking figures: a mysterious man in a dark overcoat and hat, and a whimsical Pierrot-like character, both rendered with distinctive loose and expressive linework. Their presence adds an air of intrigue, perhaps symbolizing the diverse personalities that populated the city’s social scene.

In the background, the glow of illuminated buildings, bustling cafés, and horse-drawn carriages reflect off the wet pavement, emphasizing the city’s lively and theatrical ambiance. The composition’s rich blacks, soft ochres, and muted yellows enhance the effect of artificial light against the rain-soaked streets, reminiscent of the work of Toulouse-Lautrec and Jean-Louis Forain, both of whom captured similar nocturnal scenes of Parisian life.

The signature "SEM" in bold black letters anchors the composition, asserting the artist’s distinctive hand in the era’s burgeoning world of poster art. SEM, known for his sharp satirical style and elegant depictions of high society, brings a uniquely observational and cinematic perspective to this piece, elevating it beyond mere documentation into the realm of social commentary.

This poster likely served as an artistic homage to Paris’s legendary boulevards, where nightlife, culture, and urban modernity converged. Today, it stands as a testament to the energy and sophistication of late 19th-century Paris, a city that never ceased to inspire artists, writers, and flâneurs alike.

Show - Theater - Paris

Good condition, a fold