1890s Original French Art Nouveau Poster, Les Programmes Illustres, Cercle D'Escrime - Gerbault

A color plate from an exquisite book called Les Programmes Illustres, by Ernest Maindron, published in 1897, by Librairie Nilsson-Per Lamm, Paris. Purchased at auction, this book is filled with the most unbelievably detailed and remarkable works of art we have seen... Granted we are biased and truly moved by works from this period, but truly, these are gems in remarkable, mint condition, and more than 100 years old. The auction catalog reads: " 'I often ask myself what they, the curious of the year 2000, will think of us, whom we are cut off from by a century of dreadful events; them, knowing that which we don't yet know and that we nearly suspect, what will they say of our old frivolity with all that has passed? Won't they pity us, like we today have pity for the aristocratic society whose ancient prints we refer to with carelessness and levity?' Thus mused Pierre Veber in his prefacing comments for the Programmes Illustres, a hardcover compendium of some of the most beautiful menus, invitations, business cards and announcements of the Belle Epoque. Little could he have known how off the mark his thoughts were, as today we look back at the virtuosity these posterists displayed with the limited technology of the time." (Rennert) Each sheet is 9.25 x 12.5 inches, and the images on the sheet vary - this one Henry Gerbault seems to be for a fencing club - with matches listed for both amateurs and professionals.