Paris-Théatre première année 1873-1874 1873 - 1874

Curator: What a find! We’re looking at Eugène Paz’s “Paris-Théâtre première année 1873-1874,” a striking example of graphic art from that period. Editor: My eyes immediately go to that vibrant, almost glowing green. It's such an odd choice for a cover, isn't it? And yet, it somehow works, creating this… well, this wonderfully theatrical atmosphere. Curator: Indeed, that green grabs you! I think Paz uses the colour and those art nouveau embellishments – the cherubs, floral flourishes, hand-drawn type – to suggest the Belle Époque’s sense of burgeoning spectacle and modern life. Theatre was exploding! Editor: Exactly. The printing press democratised art in a really tangible way. Suddenly these once rarified scenes became mass culture. And those embellishments aren't merely decorative, are they? They create a kind of proscenium around the text. We, the audience, are already seated! Curator: Yes, the typography itself is quite expressive, a hand-drawn typeface typical of the time. It’s a personal journal design, almost sketchbook-like in its freedom, a playful invitation into the Paris theatre scene. Imagine those covers on the newsstands – or the salons! Editor: I'm seeing all the advertisements around Paris plastered everywhere in almost the same typography: the world remade into an immersive, textual performance. Makes me wonder if they took their performances beyond the theater. Scandalous parties? Literary rivalries? Oh la la! Curator: Absolutely! Paz has captured the vibrancy of this transformational era, hasn't he? Editor: He did, right down to the very material the title’s printed on. Looking at it now I could smell that aged paper… It reminds me of stories from great-great aunt Mathilde who sang at Moulin Rouge around those days. Almost magical to me! Curator: Thank you for bringing Mathilde along, what an interesting life and history for that object now! It does a great job conjuring the Paris Theatre moment with charm and style. Editor: And thank you! For me the book will be now a doorway to an aunt that now i wish I could meet more.