L’arc-En-Ciel 1896

Jules Chéret created this lithograph poster, "L’arc-En-Ciel," to advertise the Folies-Bergère, a Parisian music hall. Chéret was a key figure in the development of the poster as an art form and a vibrant part of the urban landscape. The poster showcases a dynamic ballet scene under a rainbow, blending performance with the fantastical. The central female figure, adorned in yellow, is a representation of the era’s idealized woman—stylish, vivacious, and central to the entertainment industry. Surrounding her are figures that evoke the Commedia dell'arte, a theatrical tradition which often featured masked characters and archetypal figures. This blending of ballet with the older Commedia dell'arte is a study in contrasts, mixing high art and low culture. Through its vivid colors and lively composition, the poster doesn't just advertise a show. It suggests that the theater itself is a space of transformation, a place where societal norms are suspended.