1st Exhibition of the Humorists
Medium
Color lithograph on cream wove paper laid down on linen
Dimensions
Sheet: 108 × 80 cm (42 9/16 × 31 1/2 in.)
Classification
lithograph
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
59346
Art Historical Context
Jean-Louis Forain's *1st Exhibition of the Humor* (1911) is a color lithograph poster that captures the lively spirit of early 20th-century Parisian culture. Forain, a French artist for his Impressionist roots and sharp satirical illustrations, designed this work to promote the inaugural show of humorists—likely a gathering of cartoonists, caricists, and satirical draughtsmen. Printed on cream wove paper and laid down on linen for durability, its generous dimensions (108 × 80 cm) made it ideal for bold street advertising, drawing crowds to the event amid the Belle Époque's fascination with wit...