Date: 1899
Size: image 8.5 x 12.5 inches; matted to 16 x 20 inches
Artist: Cappiello, Leonetto
From a book called "Nos Actrices" printed in 1899 in Paris by La Revue Blanche, and illustrated by Cappiello who provided the illustrations of contemporary actresses in the roles for which they were best known. This plate is of Léonis Yahne (1867-1950) as the queen in the opera La reine Fiammette. She was an actress on the Paris stage for most of her career, which lasted from about 1884 to 1917. An English magazine referred to her as "a favorite in society, an expert with foils, a passionate horsewoman, and a terror of France on her automobile" not to mention an 1899 French newspaper described her as the most beautiful Parisian actress!
"La Revue Blanche" was an important art and literary review which was involved with emerging artistic movements. In this early work by Cappiello, we can detect the style, grace, and elegance of his skill - a skill which would, roughly 20-30 years later, help to make him one of the most sought-after and prolific poster artists of the early 1900's. From the book's preface: " Voici un artiste nouveau, une vision des types feminins, une façon neuve de traduire par le crayon et le pinceau l'impression d'art." ("Here is a new artist, with a singular vision of different sorts of women, presented in a unique manner which combines pencil sketches and which results in a new appreciation of the artform.") It has been said that his style marked the culmination of the Belle Époque and the beginning of revolutionary new trends and modern advertising.
These plates are a magnificent testament to Cappiello's skill, sense of humor and exactitude. In very good condition, and double matted in black and cream to 16 x 20 inches.