Vintage original 20.25 x 28 in. US poster from the historic 1903 French historical silent film drama, LE VIE ET PASSION DE N.S JÉSUS-CHRIST (The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ), directed by Ferdinand Zecca. The film was released in France in May 1903 and in the US in June 1903 and was distributed in both countries by Pathé Frères.,
 
Released in the US as The Life of Christ, the simple design, which was the style at this very early period, features photographic images of various scenes from the film displayed within a crucifix, as was also the custom during this early period of using photographic images vs. full-color artwork that quickly became the standard. It is unfolded as originally issued in fine+ condition as shown with light signs of wear to primarily the bottom half of the left border. The are two light horizontal folds that are not creases. The bright color tints are fresh and vibrant with no indications of fading.
 
This poster was released during the transitional period when the American film industry was issuing posters for specific films but the size/format of the posters was still not yet standardized to what became known as a "one-sheet" poster.
 
FF2