Absinthe Robette by Privat Livemont for Les Affiche Etrangeres Chaix Imprimerie 1896

ABSINTHE ROBETTE — Privat Livemont – 1896

Original stone-lithograph plate printed circa 1896 at Imprimerie Chaix (Paris) for Les Affiches Étrangères. This plate features Privat Livemont’s celebrated design for Absinthe Robette, a Belgian advertising poster that has become one of the most iconic images of Art Nouveau.

The image depicts a graceful young woman in flowing robes, holding aloft a glass of absinthe that catches the light, while stylized tendrils and ornamental patterns surround her. Livemont, often referred to as the “Belgian Mucha,” was renowned for his elegant depictions of women framed within decorative motifs. Absinthe Robette exemplifies his refined style and perfectly conveys the Belle Époque fascination with elegance, beauty, and the mystique of absinthe.

Les Affiches Étrangères (1896–1899) was a companion series to Les Affiches Illustrées, dedicated to showcasing important poster designs by international artists. Published under the direction of Jules Chéret at the Chaix atelier, these plates were printed in reduced format but retained the full stone-lithographic technique of the originals, making them prized collector’s items.

Title: Absinthe Robette
Artist: Privat Livemont (1861–1936)
Date: c.1896 (after the original 1896 poster)
Printer: Imprimerie Chaix, Paris (Les Affiches Étrangères)
Size: 21.5 × 30 cm (approx. 8.5 × 11.8 in)
Print Type: Stone lithograph
Condition: Excellent “A,” nice condition on fine wove paper
Comments: Authentic plate from Les Affiches Étrangères, produced at Chaix under Jules Chéret. Bright, clean impression with vivid colors. Among the most celebrated Art Nouveau posters, representing both the allure of absinthe and Livemont’s masterful design.