Paris Cabaret illustration proof

Paris: Kleinmann. Print. Very good condition. Adolphe Willette original lithograph illustration possibly used for a cabaret such as Le Chat Noir, showing a fleeing couple, a young woman in cabaret costume and a man with knife, with allegorical figure holding harp and a stem of lilies (Music?), sketched behind them. An individual printed piece, with the Willette signature at lower left. With the Kleinmann blind stamp in the lower left margin.

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). Image 7 3/4 x 10" on paper 10 3/4 x 14". Applied to the board.