Les Chansons de l'Annee. Illustrated proof of book jacket.
Paris: 1895. Adolphe Willette printed offset proof of a book jacket, with illustration of cabaret performer playing the accordion and a battle scene at the front panel. Signed in the plate at lower right, with dedication "A mon camarade Jules Jouy". Advertisement for other publications at rear panel.
Willette (1857-1926) was a French caricaturist, painter, lithographer and architect of the Moulin Rouge, whose many works in the illustrated press (Le Pied de Nez, le Courier Francais and Le Rire) often appeared under various pseudonyms. He was active during the Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau period, and was a member of the Cornet Society, a group of artists, musicians, writers, academics and playwrights who gathered at various restaurants around Montmartre. Known for his lithographs, posters, paintings and illustrations, Willette was called the "Pierrot of Montmartre" because of his fascination with this comedia del'arte character. Willette's famous 'Parce Domine' painting (with many Pierrot figures) first decorated the Montmartre cabaret Le Chat Noir; it is now at the Montmartre Museum. Willette also contributed posters to Masters of the Poster (Maitres de l'Affiche).
11 3/4 x 8", printed on pink stock. Very good condition. Item #21409
Price: $45.00