Lot 711: Original Topicuv Salon Maitre de l'affiche #100 By Viktor Oliva Czech

Original "Topicuv Salon", Maitres de l'Affiche, Plate 100 by Viktor Oliva From the Maitres de l’Affiche collection Printed in 1897. Paris, France Topic Salon was a private gallery located in central Prague which opened in 1894 by bookseller and publisher Frantisek Topic. It quickly became the premier gallery for the young contemporary artists and in particular promoted poster and graphic artists. This Art Nouveau poster was designed by Viktor Oliva for his one-man show in 1896. Through his book illustrations and posters, Oliva became one of the important artists in the development of Topic Salon image. This plate is from the Maitres de l’Affiche (Masters of the Poster) collection one of 256 color lithographic plates delivered to monthly subscribers in sets of four beginning in 1895 and continuing through 1900. The collection was reproduced from the original posters of ninety-seven artists in a smaller 15 3/4 x 11 3/8 inch (40 x 29 cm) format. The individual plates were issued as separate numbered sheet, with the printer’s name, "Imprimerie Chaix," in the margin at the bottom left hand corner and blind stamp. This smaller format and the fact the "Maitres" were a paid subscription allowed the printer to use the latest state-of-the-art printing techniques not normally used in the large format posters. High-quality paper was used, whereas the posters were usually printed on lesser quality newsprint. This explains why the quality of the printing, in the "Maitres de l'Affiche," usually far exceeds that of their larger counterparts.

15 3/4 x 11 3/8"

litho

1897

good, edges are missing image is very good

estate