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Adolphe Willette Art

French, 1857-1926

Adolphe Léon Willette was born in Châlons-sur-Marne on July 30, 1857. He studied for four years at the École des Beaux-Arts under Alexandre Cabanel. It gave him a unique position among the graphic humorists of France. Whether comedy or tragedy, trivial or political satire, his work is instinct with the profound sincerity of the artist. He set Pierrot upon a lofty pedestal among the imaginary heroes of France and established Mimi Pinson, frail, lovable and essentially good-hearted, in the affections of the nation. Willette is at once the modern Watteau of the pencil and the exponent of sentiments that move the more emotional section of the public. Always a poet and usually gay, fresh and delicate, in his presentation of idylls exquisitely dainty and characteristically Gallic, illustrating the more charming side of love, often pure and sometimes extremely materialistic. Willette frequently revealed himself as bitter and fierce, even ferocious, in his hatreds, being violent though at the same time a generous partisan of political ideas. He was furiously compassionate with love and pity for the people whether they are ground down under the heel of political oppression or merely the victims of unrequited love, suffering all the pangs of graceful anguish that are born of scornful treatment. There is charm even in his thrilling apotheosis of the guillotine and in the introduction into his caricatures of the figure of death itself. The artist was a prolific contributor to the French illustrated press under the pseudonyms, Cemoi, Pierrot, Louison, Bebe and Nox, but more often under his own name. He illustrated Melandri's Les Pierrots and Les Giboulées d'avril, Le Courrier français and published his own Pauvre Pierrot and other works, in which he tells his stories in scenes. He decorated several brasseries artistiques with wall-paintings, stained glass, notably Le Chat Noir and La Palette d'or and he painted the highly imaginative ceiling for La Cigale music hall. His characteristically fantastic Parce Domine was shown in the Franco-British Exhibition in 1908. A remarkable collection of his works was exhibited in 1888. His V'almy is in Luxembourg, Paris. He passed away on February 4, 1926, in Paris, France.

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Le Cacao Van Houten Advertising Poster by Adolphe Willette, Paris 1900
Le Cacao Van Houten Advertising Poster by Adolphe Willette, Paris 1900

Le Cacao Van Houten Advertising Poster by Adolphe Willette, Paris 1900

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Sant Celoni, ES

ADOLPHE WILLETTE (Châlons-en-Champagne, France, 1857 – Paris, France, 1926). "Le Cacao Van Houten". Original color advertising print. Signed in the plate "A. Willette" in the lower l...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Color

Original Antique Advertising Poster Enfant Prodigue Prodigal Son Theatre
Original Antique Advertising Poster Enfant Prodigue Prodigal Son Theatre

Original Antique Advertising Poster Enfant Prodigue Prodigal Son Theatre

By Adolphe Willette

Located in London, GB

Original antique advertising poster for the L'Enfant Prodigue / The Prodigal Son pantomime in three acts by Michel Carre fils with the music composed by Andre Wormser, featuring artw...

Category

1890s French Antique Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Paper

Nude of Woman - Lithograph by Adolphe Willette - Early 20th Century
Nude of Woman - Lithograph by Adolphe Willette - Early 20th Century

Nude of Woman - Lithograph by Adolphe Willette - Early 20th Century

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Roma, IT

Nude of Woman is an Original Lithograph realized by Willette (Adolphe Léon). Good condition on a grey paper included a white cardboard passpartout (32.5x48 cm). Address card for Sa...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Lithograph

Grace  - Etching by Adolphe Willette - Early 20th Century
Grace  - Etching by Adolphe Willette - Early 20th Century

Grace - Etching by Adolphe Willette - Early 20th Century

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Roma, IT

Grace is an Original Etching and Drypoint realized by Willette (Adolphe Léon). Good condition included a white cardboard passpartout (49x32 cm). Titled "Grace!...Je suis une petite...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Etching

The Lady - Drawing by Adolphe Willette - Late-19th century
The Lady - Drawing by Adolphe Willette - Late-19th century

The Lady - Drawing by Adolphe Willette - Late-19th century

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Roma, IT

The Lady is a Drawing realized by the artist Willette (Adolphe Léon). Good condition included a white cardboard passpartout 34.5x26 cm. Signature on the lower right margin. Adolphe Léon Willette (30 July 1857, Châlons-sur-Marne – 4 February 1926, Paris) was a French painter, illustrator, caricaturist, and lithographer, as well as an architect of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. Willette ran as an "anti...

Category

19th Century Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Paper, Pencil

Le Courrier Français Illustré / Dans Tous Les Kiosques, Art Nouveau Lithograph
Le Courrier Français Illustré / Dans Tous Les Kiosques, Art Nouveau Lithograph

Le Courrier Français Illustré / Dans Tous Les Kiosques, Art Nouveau Lithograph

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Grand Rapids, MI

Adolphe Leon Willette (French, 1857-1926) "Le Courrier Français Illustré / Dans Tous Les Kiosques" English translation: "The Illustrated French Courier / In All Newsstands" Le Cou...

Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Lithograph

original lithograph

original lithograph

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: original lithograph. This impression on thin wove paper was printed in 1903 for Gustave Geffroy's "La Vie Artistique". Sheet size: 6 1/2 x 4 3/8 inches (165 x 112 mm). Signed...

Category

Early 1900s Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Lithograph

Risks and Temptations - Lithograph by Adolphe Willette - Early 20th Century

Risks and Temptations - Lithograph by Adolphe Willette - Early 20th Century

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Roma, IT

Risks and Temptations is an Original Lithograph realized by Willette (Adolphe Léon). Good condition on a yellowed paper. Hand signed with blue pencil on the lower left corner. Ad...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Lithograph

Adolph Willette “Cacao Van Houten” Original 1896 Poster Chaix
Adolph Willette “Cacao Van Houten” Original 1896 Poster Chaix

Adolph Willette “Cacao Van Houten” Original 1896 Poster Chaix

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Dallas, TX

Willette- Maitres de L'affiche: Cacao Van Houten, original lithograph 1896, Impremie CHAIX. PL. 43 France, 1890-1919, paper Willette: Cacao Van Houten Original stone Lithograph on vélin paper 1896 Sheet Size: 15.75 x 11.4 in. / 39.5 x 29 cm Printed by: Imprimerie Chaix 1896 In very good condition (A) unbacked, This plate is from the famous set "Les Maitres de l'affiche" The "Les Maitres de l'Affiche" series was offered as a subscription series to collectors. Every month for 60 months, from December 1895 through November 1900, subscribers received by mail, 4 loose sheets (Maitres) with a cover sheet. Willette's elegant vertical poster...

Category

1890s Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Paper

1918 original poster by Adolphe Willette, for the Banque de l'Union Parisienne
1918 original poster by Adolphe Willette, for the Banque de l'Union Parisienne

1918 original poster by Adolphe Willette, for the Banque de l'Union Parisienne

By Adolphe Willette

Located in PARIS, FR

The 1918 original poster by Adolphe Willette, created for the Banque de l'Union Parisienne, is a compelling piece of wartime propaganda, urging citizens to contribute to the fourth national loan (4e Emprunt National). This poster, titled Pour que la France soit victorieuse comme à Valmy! (So that France may be victorious like at Valmy!), is a poignant call to action, blending historical reference with patriotic fervor to inspire public support during the final year of World War I. Adolphe Willette, a prominent French painter, illustrator, and political cartoonist, was known for his evocative and often satirical works. During the war, artists like Willette played a crucial role in shaping public sentiment and encouraging national unity through their art. This particular poster exemplifies his ability to harness the power of visual storytelling to evoke a sense of duty and pride in the French populace. The poster references the Battle of Valmy...

Category

1910s Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Circa1900 Adolphe Willette – La Retraite de Russie, Napoleonic Scene
Circa1900 Adolphe Willette – La Retraite de Russie, Napoleonic Scene

Circa1900 Adolphe Willette – La Retraite de Russie, Napoleonic Scene

By Adolphe Willette

Located in PARIS, FR

This evocative original lithograph by Adolphe Willette, created around 1900, depicts one of the most dramatic and tragic episodes in French history: Napoleon’s retreat from Russia in...

Category

Early 1900s Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Linen

Lady with Cupids and Dwarf - Lithograph by Adolphe Willette - 1906

Lady with Cupids and Dwarf - Lithograph by Adolphe Willette - 1906

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Roma, IT

Lady with Cupids and Dwarf is a Lithograph realized in 1906 by Willette (Adolphe Léon). Hand-signed with pencil on the lower right corner. Good condition with folding and consumed ...

Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Lithograph

1893 Exposition Internationale des Produits du Commerce et de l'Industrie
1893 Exposition Internationale des Produits du Commerce et de l'Industrie

1893 Exposition Internationale des Produits du Commerce et de l'Industrie

By Adolphe Willette

Located in PARIS, FR

In the realm of vintage poster art, Adolphe Willette's 1893 masterpiece for the Exposition Internationale des Produits du Commerce et de l'Industrie offers a captivating window into ...

Category

1890s Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

"VALMY! (L'Estampe Moderne), " Lithograph after Drawing by Adolphe Willette
"VALMY! (L'Estampe Moderne), " Lithograph after Drawing by Adolphe Willette

"VALMY! (L'Estampe Moderne), " Lithograph after Drawing by Adolphe Willette

By Adolphe Willette

Located in Milwaukee, WI

"VALMY! (L'Estampe Moderne)" is a print watermarked PL BAS after a drawing by Adolphe Willette. It depicts a general with his army and a young girl. 15 3/4" x 12" art 23" x 19 1/4" frame Adolphe Léon Willette (30 July 1857 – 4 February 1926) was a French painter, illustrator, caricaturist, and lithographer, as well as an architect of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. Willette ran as an "anti-semitic" candidate in the 9th arrondisement of Paris for the September 1889 legislative elections. Biography Willette was born in Châlons-sur-Marne. He studied for four years at the École des Beaux-Arts under Cabanel, training which gave him a unique position among the graphic humorists of France. Whether comedy or tragedy, dainty triviality or political satire, his work is instinct with the profound sincerity of the artist. He set Pierrot upon a lofty pedestal among the imaginary heroes of France, and established Mimi Pinson, frail, lovable, and essentially good-hearted, in the affections of the nation. Willette is at once the modern Watteau of the pencil, and the exponent of sentiments that move the more emotional section of the public. Always a poet, and usually gay, fresh, and delicate, in his presentation of idylls exquisitely dainty and characteristically Gallic, illustrating the more "charming" side of love, often pure and sometimes extremely materialistic. Willette frequently reveals himself bitter and fierce, even ferocious, in his hatreds, being a violent though at the same time a generous partisan of political ideas, furiously compassionate with love and pity for the people whether they be ground down under the heel of political oppression, or are merely the victims ot unrequited love, suffering all the pangs of graceful anguish that are born of scornful treatment. There is charm even in his thrilling apotheosis of the guillotine, and in the introduction into his caricatures of the figure of Death itself. The artist was a prolific contributor to the French illustrated press under the pseudonyms "Cemoi", "Pierrot", "Louison", "Bebe", and "Nox", but more often under his own name. He illustrated Melandri's Les Pierrots and Les Giboulles d'avril, Le Courrier français, and published his own Pauvre Pierrot and other works, in which he tells his stories in scenes in the manner of Busch. He decorated several "brasseries artistiques" with wall-paintings, stained glass, &c., notably Le Chat noir and La Palette d'or, and he painted the highly imaginative ceiling for La Cigale...

Category

1890s Academic Adolphe Willette Art

Materials

Black and White

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Previously Available Items
"Exposition Internationale des Produits du Commerce et de l'Industrie" Maitre
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Located in Hinsdale, IL

WILLETTE, ADOLPHE E. (1857 -1926) "Exposition Internationale des Produits du Commerce et de l'Industrie" Original lithograph from "Les Maitres de L'Affiche" series Printed by Imprimerie Chaix, Paris Bearing MDL stamp lower right, from issue #36, 1898. Plate #142 Unframed Size: 11 3/8 x 15 3/4”The "Les Maitres de l'Affiche" series was offered as a subscription series to collectors every month for 60 months, from December 1895 through November 1900. The "Maitres de l'Affiche," were issued as separate numbered sheets, referred to as "plates". They were numbered, with the printers name "Imprimerie Chaix," in the margin at the bottom left hand corner, "PL.1" to "PL.240." In the margin at the bottom right hand corner of each, is a blind embossed stampfrom a design of Cheret's. The smaller format and the fact the "Maitres" were a paid subscription series, allowed Imprimerie Chaix to use the latest state of the art printing techniques, not normally used in the large format posters due to cost. A very high quality of paper was used, where as the large format posters were printed on lesser quality newsprint, due to cost and a short expected life span. This explains why the quality of the printing, in the "Maitres de l'Affiche," usually far exceeds that of their larger counterparts. Willette's exceptional drawing skill is demonstrated her in his fanciful rendering of four delightful cherubs pulling a whimsical harp like plow, driven by an angelic creature, clad in only headdress, a flowing slight wrap around her waist and sandals. A fanciful working scene...

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1890s Art Nouveau Adolphe Willette Art

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Lithograph

Adolphe Willette art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Adolphe Willette art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Adolphe Willette in lithograph, paper, ink and more. Not every interior allows for large Adolphe Willette art, so small editions measuring 5 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Paul César Helleu, René Gruau, and Georges Meunier. Adolphe Willette art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $2,225, while the average work can sell for $384.

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