Eugène GRASSET (1845-1917) The black cat, circa 1895 Polychrome painted plaster. First sign of the Cabaret Le Chat Noir in Paris Height 41 cm high Length: 42 cm Provenance : - Cabaret du Chat Noir, Paris - Collection of Rodolphe SALIS, Château de la Tour de Naintré - By inheritance, Sale of the Jean SALIS collection (1886-1963), Châtellerault, Me Saint Gall - His sale, Châtellerault, Me Sabourin, 13 November 2004 - Private collection from Vienne Notes: The only other known copy of our work is on deposit at the Montmartre Museum, Collection François, Claire and Martin Binetruy. The Chat Noir, founded in 1881 by the châtelleraudais painter Rodolphe Salis, is an emblematic cabaret of Montmartre, a true symbol of artistic and bohemian life at the end of the XIXᵉ century. Initially a simple drinking establishment at 84 boulevard Rochechouart, it soon became a rallying point for Parisian artists, writers and musicians, particularly the literary circle of the Hydroapathes led by Emile Goudeau, who made it his haunt. In response to its growing success, in 1885 it moved to 12 rue de Laval (now rue Victor-Massé), in a larger space that could accommodate an ever-growing audience. Salis installed an auditorium and a shadow theatre, where performances went from being infrequent to regular to daily, making the Chat Noir a key venue in Parisian artistic life. Artists such as Eugène Grasset and Alexandre Charpentier also contributed to the theatre's décor. The coloured plaster cat below is part of this set. Shadow theatre was one of Le Chat Noir's major innovations. Inspired by shadow puppets, it consists of cut-out silhouettes animated on a backlit screen. The theatre was created by Henri Rivière, who perfected the technique with sophisticated sets and mechanisms, giving life to highly original visual shows. These performances were a huge success, making the cabaret a key venue for Parisian entertainment. At the same time, the Chat Noir launched a weekly revue under the direction of Salis and Émile Goudeau. This publication helped to promote the cabaret and featured works by great writers such as Paul Verlaine, Jean Richepin and Léon Bloy, illustrated by renowned artists including Théophile Alexandre Steinlen and Caran d'Ache. Despite its major influence on the Montmartre art scene, the cabaret closed its doors in 1897, two years after the death of Rodolphe Salis. However, its legacy lives on, notably through its iconic posters and its impact on Parisian culture.