1888 Skobeleff Hippodrome by Jules Cheret Russian Mikhail Skobelev Belle Epoch

Date: c. 1888
Artist: Cheret, Jules
Size (in): 47.5 x 34.5
Size (cm): 120.5 x 87
Condition: B
Linen backed: Yes

This 19th century French Belle Époque theatrical poster for the Hippodrome of Paris was designed by Jules Chéret who is often referred to as “the father of the modern poster”. This poster depicts the Russian “White General” Mikhail Skobeleff (Skobelev) whose exploits in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 were the subject of a spectacular and grandiose historical reenactment on the stage of the Paris Hippodrome in 1888. This poster, one of the last of more than 40 that Chéret did for the Hippodrome, features Skobeleff in a commanding pose astride his white horse and pointing the way forward. The lower margin indicates “Affiches Americaines CH. LEVY 10 Rue Martel, Paris”.

This antique poster is on an older linen backing and shows some toning from age, original fold lines and a small piece of less an one cm off the right side. There is a trace of staining on the lower right hand corner and a French tax ink stamp on the “M” in Hippodrome. Overall condition is very good for this antique original.