Exposition H.G. Ibels | Maitre de L’Affiche: Plate #138

This artwork is from Les Maitres de L’Affiche series; miniature versions of outstanding stone lithograph artworks of the most important advertising posters by the finest artists.
“Ibels started out as stage decorator and play producer then entered the Académie Julian where he associated himself with the Nabi group. He kept up his contacts with the acting profession, designing scenery for the Théâtre Libre and the Théâtre de l ‘Art and producing posters for their programs. His work was exhibited at La Bodiniere…In keeping with his penchant for the theatre, this poster for his own exhibition, shows three scenes from the performing arts. Note the utter delicacy of the colour, and the way they subtly connect the three separate images”(Wine Spectator 55)

A member of the Nabi group of artists, Ibels shared with the others a stylistic debt to Gauguin, but diverged from their esoteric, symbolist interests, preferring to depict directly and honestly the popular life of the streets. Here for an exhibition of his own work, he selects three of his images of performing artists and interweaves the text around them.
(Rennert, PAI-XXXVI, 358)
Ibels and Toulouse-Lautrec worked closely together on several publications. Their technique and point of view were very similar.