Jules Chéret was a pioneering French lithographer and designer widely regarded as the father of the modern advertising poster. Born in Paris to a family of artisans, Chéret trained in lithography before refining his skills in London, where he absorbed advances in commercial printing and graphic design. Returning to France in the 1860s, he revolutionized poster art through his vibrant use of color, dynamic compositions, and lively depictions of Parisian entertainment culture.
Chéret created iconic posters for cabarets, theaters, music halls, and venues such as the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère, helping define the visual identity of the Belle Époque. His joyful female figures, known as “Chérettes,” symbolized a more modern and liberated image of women in public life. Combining fine art with commercial design, Chéret elevated advertising posters into a respected art form and influenced generations of artists, including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Today, his richly colored lithographs remain celebrated masterpieces of graphic and decorative art.
