Lithograph poster 'The French Maid' by John Hassall
Record status
Individual type · partial
This collectible lithograph poster, titled "The French Maid," was created by the notable English artist and illustrator John Hassall (1868–1948). Known for his distinctive advertising style, Hassall utilized a technique characterized by flat areas of vibrant color outlined by bold, thick black lines, a stylistic choice that proved highly effective for both commercial advertising and illustrated children's literature.
This specific artwork features a central female figure dressed in an elaborate period costume, holding a mask and a large red fan, set against a background adorned with hanging paper lanterns. The lower portion of the poster features the bold, block-lettered title, "The French Maid," identifying the musical comedy written by Basil Hood and Walter Slaughter. The print is signed by the artist within the plate. The physical dimensions of the paper measure 74 x 51 cm, while the work is presented within a frame measuring 79 x 56 cm.
This piece serves as a characteristic example of the aesthetic approach Hassall refined during his long and productive career as an advertising artist for David Allen & Sons.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- lithograph on paper
- Dimensions
- 74 x 51 cm (poster); 79 x 56 cm (frame)
Technical characteristics
- Printing
- lithograph
Design
- Obverse
- depicts a woman in costume with a mask and fan beneath hanging lanterns, with text 'The French Maid, a musical comedy by Basil Hood & Walter Slaughter'
- Inscriptions
- Signed in plate by John Hassall
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- John Hassall
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.