This is the first poster ever created for the now iconic Folies-Bergère music hall. "Its archaic style and advertising message lead us to believe that this is the poster for the first performance (hence dating back to May 1869) or one immediately following the opening. The style is indeed romantic and unlike the much more powerful music hall posters which appeared shortly afterwards. A bergère (shepherdess) half opens the curtain which announces: operettas, sketches, one-acters, ballet, and song. Performances were given seven times a week at 7:30 pm. The price of a seat, 3 francs, included refreshments... A dancer covered with small bells appears from behind the curtain. The characters, the decor outlined in the background, the garlands of flowers, everything reminds us of the pleasures of the 18th century which the artist 'E. B.' (possibly the initials of E. Bar, a lithographic designer whose 1872 poster for the Théâtre des Menus-Plaisirs can be found at the Bibliothèque Nationale) must have taken from Watteau who inspired quite a few others, including Chéret!" (Folies-Bergère, 33). Rare!
Imp. Bertauts, Paris
literature: Folies-Bergère, 33; Pessis & Crepineau, p. 4; PAI-LXXXII, 126