Henri Gabriel IBELS (1867 - 1936) - Lot 124

Henri Gabriel IBELS (1867 - 1936) At the circus, circa 1893 Color lithograph on laid paper Justified n°93 in pencil at the bottom outside the plate Limited edition of 100 copies for the quarterly publication "L'estampe originale". 49 x 26 cm (Minor marks, mounted on cardboard, glass broken, margins probably cut) NOTICE Henri Gabriel Ibels (1867-1936) was a French painter, engraver, illustrator and poster artist, often associated with the Symbolist movement and late 19th-century art. Born in Paris, Ibels was a key member of the Nabis group, a collective of avant-garde artists that included Pierre Bonnard, Édouard Vuillard and Maurice Denis. Nicknamed the "Nabi journalist" for his interest in visual reportage and his social commitment, Ibels combined his artistic talent with a keen sense of observation of the society of his time. His career was marked by a wide variety of techniques and media. He excelled in poster design and lithography, fields that enabled him to reach a wide audience. His poster work, often influenced by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, is marked by a bold aesthetic, using simplified forms and vivid colors to convey clear, striking messages. He created posters for Parisian theaters, cabarets and events, contributing to the golden age of the artistic poster in Paris. Ibels is also known for his book and magazine illustrations, particularly for socially committed publications, in which he often denounced social injustice and the plight of the working classes. His illustration work reveals a strong narrative approach, highlighting scenes of everyday life with a sensibility close to naturalism. Throughout his career, Henri Gabriel Ibels also devoted himself to painting, although his work as a poster artist and illustrator overshadowed his pictorial contributions. His works are often influenced by Symbolism, exploring themes of society, urban life, and sometimes religious or mystical subjects. As a member of the Nabis movement, Ibels played a crucial role in the evolution of modern art in France, helping to redefine decorative art and explore the boundaries between art, society and politics. Less famous than some of his contemporaries, he nevertheless remains an important figure of the late 19th century, recognized for his artistic and social commitment, as well as for his contribution to poster and graphic art.