Who painted Salut, Drapeau!?

Salut, Drapeau! was painted by Henri-Gabriel Ibels in 1894.

Where can I see Salut, Drapeau!?

Salut, Drapeau! is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Salut, Drapeau!?

Salut, Drapeau! is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Salut, Drapeau!

Henri-Gabriel Ibels , 1894

Salut, Drapeau! is a watercolor print by the Impressionist artist Henri-Gabriel Ibels. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1894, "Salut, Drapeau!" is a print by Henri‑Gabriel Ibels that combines photo‑relief processes with watercolor stenciling. The work functions as a poster, employing vivid flat areas of color and bold outlines to capture a bustling urban scene.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a lively street: a man in a dark suit watches a dancing couple in the foreground, while a docked ship and a nearby bridge frame the background. The title, rendered at the top, suggests a greeting to a flag, possibly alluding to civic celebration or maritime activity.

Technique & Style

Ibels applied watercolor through stencils onto a printed base, a method that allowed precise color fields and a slightly cartoonish quality. The flat hues and rough contour lines reflect the popular poster aesthetics of the late nineteenth century, emphasizing immediacy and visual impact.

History & Provenance

The work was produced in the mid‑1890s, a period when French artists frequently collaborated with commercial printers. The name "Renéesse" appears in the inscription, indicating a possible client or sponsor, though further documentation of ownership remains limited.

Context

During the 1890s, Parisian visual culture was dominated by large‑scale lithographic posters that advertised events, products, and public celebrations. Ibels, associated with the avant‑garde circles of Montmartre, applied his fine‑art sensibilities to this commercial format, bridging fine art and popular media.