Jules Cheret revolutionized printing when he invented the process of color lithography, wherein the image was drawn on a stone and each color was separately inked and printed, enabling the artwork to exude an array of passionate colors in harmony.
While doing these posters, Jules Cheret executed numerous pastels and watercolors. His ‘Cherettes,’ the lovely and lively women who could be seen dancing, playing cymbals or mandolins dressed in the fashion of the day were a popular subject. His ability to strike a balance between the reality and fantasy of colors was unsurpassed.
His work showed delicate, powdery and graceful fluidity of pastel and hues that contributed to the uniqueness and aesthetic finesse of his creative endeavors. Impressionists and Pointillists were absorbed and impressed with his theory of complementary colors.
Cheret won a silver medal at the Universal Exposition of 1879 and a gold medal at the Exposition of 1889. 1889 brought further success to Cheret when an exhibition of over one hundred posters, pastels, lithographs, drawings and sketches was held at “La Bodiniere.” Once again, his recognition as a true master placed him on a new and higher plateau amongst the leading figures in the arts. He was bestowed the honor of becoming a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1890, cited as “the creator of an art industry.” In 1900 he because an officer of the Legion, a commander in 1910 and in 1926 Cheret was the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor.
Since Cheret did not show his original painting and pastels at a Salon, it was not until 1912 that he showed his works in an exhibition at The Louvre. His artistic ability as a fine artist was immediately evident and thereafter he spent most of his time devoted to creating oil paintings and pastels.
Among his friends were the greatest artists of the time including Monet, Grun, Rodin, Steinlen, Leandre, Willette, Legrand, Degas, Seurat and Jacques Villon.
Cheret’s original paintings are in Museums throughout the world as are his posters which catapulted him to fame.
