Belle Epoque Beauties

Currently in the gallery: a wonderful collection of elegant and sophisticated color etchings and aquatints by Manuel Robbe. Robbe (1872-1936), a celebrated and award-winning artist, was an accomplished engraver specializing in the sugar-lift aquatint process and became a leader of the color etching movement. Some of his favorite subjects were the bourgeois modern women of the Belle Epoque. His first works were printed by Delâtre, however he soon became a skilled printer using aquatint on a zinc plate. His style is rich using velvety blacks, creamy whites and unusual bronzes and browns. Oh la la! There are several images below or you may check out our full selection by clicking here.

10 Vintage Posters for Your Bar

Once you start looking around when out for a bite, or a drink, you’ll start to notice vintage posters everywhere. Ross Art Group has supplied restaurants and bars in NY, CT and beyond with artwork for their walls for many years now. Vintage posters add  whimsy, character, and a touch of class that so beautifully warms up a room.

Why not recreate this look for your bar at home?!? Below we’ve listed 10 original vintage posters in various sizes and price ranges to help get you started. For more ideas, visit the liquor section of our website. Cheers!

Cordial Medoc, Small - by Le Monnier - 23" x 31" - c1935

Imperial Old Scotch Ale - by Anonymous - 14" x 20.25" - c1940

Porto Ramos - by Vincent - 14.25” x 21” - c1920

Soufre Gre - by Dupin - 23” x 31.5” - 1933

Cognac Pellisson, Small - by Cappiello - 32” x 47.5” - c1920

Creme de Menthe Cusenier - by Pal - 23.5” x 31.75” - c1895

Vezelise No 1 Biere - by Bolard - 31.5” x 47.2” - 1952

Aubel & Fils - by Anonymous - 31” x 46.5” - c1930

Supreme Cusenier - by Pal - 41.7” x 59.4” - c1900

Vermouth Blanc - by Comoz - 45.5” x 77” - c1915

- js

Mmmm, Chocolate! 5 Vintage Chocolate Advertisements from 1895-1955

The sense memories I have of delicious, soul soothing chocolate go back to some of  the earliest memories of my childhood, when I would anxiously await my grandfather’s arrival from work each day, so looking forward to the tiny chocolate he would give me as soon as he walked in the door. I also remember the smell of my grandmother’s devil’s food cakes wafting through the house, warming the air with that unforgettable scent, the corners of my mouth still chocolaty from the biggest joy ever… getting to lick the mixing bowl and paddles clean after the velvety batter was poured into the buttered and floured cake pans. It’s a wonder I didn’t have a mouthful of cavities!

There’s something about chocolate that tempts us, and in the original vintage chocolate posters currently in the Ross Art Group gallery, the temptations begin as early as 1895. Below I’ve listed my 5 favorites…

#1 – Compagnie Francaise des Chocolats et des Thes by Steinlen, 1895

Compagnie Francaise des Chocolats et des Thes by Steinlen, 1895

Steinlen is known for his depictions of children and cats. Compagnie Francaise de Chocolats et des Thes, advertises tea and chocolate in this very rare poster, which depicts Steinlen’s own wife and daughter. While his wife enjoys a cup of hot tea, his daughter hugs a big cup of drinking chocolate close to her (protecting it from her cat perhaps?), spoon in hand, ready to dig in. An endearing early chocolate poster.

#2 – Chocolat Pailhasson, Anonymous Artist, c1910

Chocolat Pailhasson, Anonymous Artist, c1910

Children fighting over chocolate, a classic image. Whether brothers,  best friends or both, kids will be kids, and reaching for the dropped chocolate bar is clearly the priority over the dropped hat! Think they observed the “five second rule” in 1910?

#3 – Cacao Poulain by Cappiello, c 1920

Cacao Poulain by Cappiello, c 1920

“Le Cacao Poulain Inonde le Monde” or “Cocoa Poulain Floods the World”…a Cappiello poster printed around 1920, asking consumers to taste and compare this first French brand. Cappiello is known for his whimsical characters, boldly set against a solid dark background. It’s melty and there’s obviously plenty to go around.

#4 – API Chocolate – Mexican Hat, by Di Lullo, 1950

API Chocolate - Mexican Hat, by Di Lullo, 1950

Italian chocolate?  Yes, please! A beautiful Italian mother c1950 in a sombrero (why?), happily showering chocolates upon her healthy happy baby, cradling a giant chocolate bar with a big chocolate smudge across his round face …pure happiness. My grandmother would have approved, I’m sure of it!

And, finally…

#5 – API Chocolate – Woman, Anonymous Artist, 1955

API Chocolate - Woman, Anonymous Artist, 1955

Just five years later, API released this more seductive chocolate poster, depicting a beautiful woman so completely swept up in her love for their chocolates that she is in pure bliss. Head thrown back, eyes closed, shoulder exposed, hugging so many chocolates and candies in towards her that the rest fall out of her arms and down past her skirt twisting in motion.  I’ll have what she’s having!

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Toulouse-Lautrec, Jules Cheret and the Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge - La Goulue (2 Sheet) by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1891 - available at www.rossartgroup.com

The Moulin Rouge in late 19th century France was a hotbed of hedonism,  and artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec knew the Moulin Rouge well. As one of its most frequent visitors, he made this boisterous dance hall the most well-known through his depictions of it in his lithographs and paintings.

Toulouse-Lautrec’s first stone lithograph of the Moulin Rouge was created in 1891, called Moulin Rouge: La Goulue (pictured above). It depicts Louise Weber, known as La Goulue or “The Gutton” dancing surrounded by the silhouettes of the crowd that she always drew. Also featured is Jacques Renaudin, in the foreground. Renaudin was known as Valentin le Desosse or “Valentin the boneless” because of his extreme flexibility and fluidity of movement while dancing.

Lautrec’s Moulin Rouge: La Goulue advertisement was posted in Paris in December 1891 and is a flamboyant artwork that draws the audience into an already lively scene inside the Moulin Rouge. It features the famous La Goulue with her skirt and twirling leg in motion, reminding viewers that they could get more of a peek during her alluring dance of the Cancan, (which she is credited with having created). We see the dark silhouettes of not only men, but women in the very close up audience, looking as though they are just steps away from the performer…tempting the viewer by how close they can be to this flashy dance.

Moulin Rouge - Cheret, c1890

When we compare Lautrec’s poster to Moulin Rouge by Jules Cheret done just a year or so earlier, it looks darker and more revealing. Cheret’s Moulin Rouge (left) has brighter pops of color, shows the red mill of the theater and a curvy, smiling showgirl is featured. It conveys a very different message…while still tempting the passersby, it doesn’t immediately draw them into the midst of the revelry.

The combined sensuality and darkness in Lautrec’s Moulin Rouge leaves one with more of a feeling of what it was like to be a part of the scene. Cheret’s image of the Moulin Rouge leaves us with a sense of  joie de vivre – the overall goodness that invited patrons in without really giving them a glimpse of what they would find or feel once inside.

Both posters were effective advertisements for the now infamous dance hall. One cannot think of Paris and Montmartre without thinking of the Moulin Rouge, the artists who depicted it and the characters who performed in it. Equally beautiful, these posters serve as time capsules of this unforgettable piece of Paris at the turn of the century.

-js

Decorating by the Sea: 5 Vintage Posters for My Dream Beach House

The summer in New York City has been a scorcher so far, leaving me hot, thirsty and dreaming of my perfect beach house (and how I’d decorate it). I imagine the cool, salty breeze flowing through the open windows, swirling around my comfy, but sparse furniture (mostly white with a touch of azure blue I think), and mixing with the sweet scent of a freshly chopped watermelon coming from the open kitchen. Ahhh, sounds deliciously refreshing.

I continue my daydream, and imagine that I’ll need to take breaks from the surf and sun, and find refuge inside this relaxing haven, and will want it to feel inviting and fun while I lounge about indoors. I don’t want that amazing ocean view to be the only work of art I lay my eyes on all summer! I mean, what will I look at come nightfall, as I listen to the crashing waves and drink my chilled French Rosé (from Provence of course)? What will others look at – besides by lovely furniture – when I host guests for the weekend, have fabulous dinner parties in the evenings, or entertain new friends I’ve met while laying on the beach?

Seeing as how I love all things French – the language, the wine, the cheese, that romantic accent – it only makes sense to add French vintage posters to my dream beach house decor. These lovely old posters will grace my walls in beautiful silvery frames and add a splash color, a touch of whimsy, realistically curvy women, and the french language displayed in cool vintage fonts. Yes!

There’s going to be a large wall in the open kitchen/breakfast area that will feature the rare and wonderful Source Brault poster from France. Printed in 1938, I imagine that these risqué mermaids caused quite the chatter as pedestrians walked by this large advertisement for bubbly water. I love the bubbles, the mermaids, and the colors for my dream kitchen. While not a beach poster proper, it is about water, swimming, and one of the best imaginary creatures of the sea – mermaids!!!  Love, love, love it.

Source Brault by Noyer, 1938

In the airy, open living room, I’ll have this Cannes poster from 1930. Who doesn’t love this beach town for its breath-taking beauty, swanky film festival, and utterly wonderful Frenchiness (it’s probably a word)? And, I adore the hand-drawn font spelling out the often mispronounced name of this schmancy getaway. (It’s pronounced “kan” – as in “Can you please pass the brie?” or with a British accent “Can you please pass the brie?”)

Cannes - Letters by Sem, 1930

In each of the three bedrooms, one of these turn of the century French posters will decorate the walls: Malo des Bains, Grand Casino de St. Malo, and Onival Sur Mer. I am totally tickled by the modest beachwear, and love that these posters are a little more subtle in color, with a little less of a bold pop. They will add a more serene and refined feel to my dreamy bedrooms.

Malo Les Bains by Herdin, 1898

Grand Casino de St. Malo by Pean, 1905

Onival Sur Mer by Adar Lanz, c1905

Ever the idealist, I believe dreams can come true. However, I better end my daydream here and get back to work, so I can make this daydream mine for real. As the happy man asked in Pretty Woman…”What’s your dream?”

- js

Heartstrings and History

Often, when one thinks of vintage posters, visions of colorful, bold, graphically pleasing images dance around the mind. Some of the most popular and well-known images depict whimsical characters tempting the world with their intoxicating spirits, tasty treats, sweet rides, and fashionable finds.

Maurin Quina by Cappiello, 1906

Rita Biscuits by Dupin, 1933

Cycles Liberator by Pal, 1899

Cachou Lajaunie by Cappiello, 1922

There’s a theme of lightheartedness and humor that runs through many of these vintage posters and serves as a reminder that the turn of the century was an incredibly important time in the history of advertising. The advent of branding, the use of slogans and the unforgettable graphic images that helped sell product one hundred plus years ago continues to define and inspire the advertising world today.

While so many of these vintage posters make us smile with their carefree and fun messages, there were many that were more serious in tone. This is especially true during the First World War in the U.S. One of the most dramatically somber posters created during this time is a very rare and truly remarkable poster called Enlist by Fred Spear. It is an iconic American image from the First World War depicting a mother clutching her baby as they drown from the sinking of the Lusitania. It’s not only a beautiful piece of art, but it has great importance in our entering the war.

The British ocean liner, RMS Lusitania, was sunk on May 7, 1915 as it departed New York bound for Liverpool. Of the nearly 2,000 people on board, 159 were American. Near Ireland, the captain of the Lusitania slowed their course due to fog, and a German submarine (known as a u-boat), shot at the Lusitania, which tipped heavily to one side and quickly sank. Most people were unable to reach lifeboats in time, and 1,198 people died. The shocking number of civilian casualties inflamed sentiment in the United States, and swayed the country’s intention to enter into the World War.

In his speech, “Peace Without Victory” (1917) President Woodrow Wilson recognized the importance of maintaining open seas that allowed for safe trade and travel:

“And the paths of the sea must alike in law and in fact be free….The free, constant, unthreatened intercourse of nations is an essential part of the process of peace…. Peace cannot be had without concession and sacrifice.”

Enlist by Fred Spear, 1915

Fred Spear’s 1915 drawing of a drowning mother and child was inspired by a newspaper account of sinking of the Lusitania. It also conjures visual references to the Madonna and Child, and the innocence of childhood, now lost through war. The simple text, “Enlist” points to the purpose of this poster – to encourage young men to avenge the loss of women and children at the hands of the German enemy.

However, due to the incredibly sad nature of this image and the emotions it conjured in people in the United States, the poster was pulled from circulation. While the artwork is so beautiful, it was just much too sad. The subject matter, imagery and limited production of this poster make Fred Spear’s Enlist one of the rarest WWI posters in existence today.

Propaganda posters were used widely during the First World War to solicit support, whether political, financial, or personal. Approximately two years later, another poster depicting images of the Lusitania appears, reminding Americans of the sinking of the ship, and the loss of lives, asking the question “shall this continue?”

Shall This Continue - Join the Navy, Anonymous Artist, c1917

This poster shows women and children fighting for their lives, as a strong, fearless woman with a clenched fist rises from the waters, with a golden sword. This poster’s palette is brighter – a deep sun yellow, a splash of red and regal blues. It is a call to arms, and is meant to inspire men to join the Navy and fight for their country.

Vintage posters called out to passersby, whether their messages were meant to seduce, inspire, or instigate. They serve as little time capsules, as reminders of the power of suggestion, and the importance of art, passion, product. There’s history embedded in each of these posters, which gave not only companies, but entire countries a voice to reach the masses, and a tool to strike emotional chords – happy or sad.

-js

Vintage Posters 101

Welcome to the Ross Art Blog! So, here’s the important thing to know first…we’re total poster nerds. The gallery is literally stacked with thousands of  original vintage posters, which gallery owner Mickey Ross has been collecting for over 25 years now.

Many people come in and first ask, “What does original mean? Aren’t these just reproductions?” Well, let’s start with a brief intro to vintage posters…a little vintage poster 101.

Many of our original vintage posters were first commissioned by advertisers in the late 1800′s, and were created by the best commercial artists of the day to advertise all sorts of things – food, liquor, travel, entertainment, etc. One of the most well-known artists was Henri de Toulouse – Lautrec.

Troupe de Mlle Eglantine - Toulouse - Lautrec, 1896

In these early days, the method of printing was stone lithography, developed specifically for creating these large colorful advertisements, by Jules Cheret in Paris in the late 1800′s.  Cheret was not only the creator of this large format printing method, but was also an accomplished poster artist.

Moulin Rouge - Jules Cheret - c1890

These graphic, brilliant images brought vibrancy to kiosks on the streets, the sides of buildings, and the interiors of stores and restaurants.

There were even collectors of these posters back then…as the old water based glues weren’t that fast drying, often early collectors and even art dealers would tear them down as soon as they were posted. The original poster nerds, perhaps?

In addition, turn of the century art dealers believed they could sell these “advertising” pieces to their customers. They sought out the poster artists and the printers in an effort to secure over runs. It must be remembered, though,  that most of the vintage posters were destroyed in actual use. They were mounted on walls and merely discarded or ripped away when the next new image became available. While vintage posters were originally produced in editions that numbered in the hundreds, and sometimes thousands, few survived in their original state. What’s more, the lithographer’s stones did not normally survive past their first printing.

So, collectible, they are! Our collection ranges in age from the late 1800′s to more contemporary posters created in the last 10 years. An original posters value depends on factors like age, artist, condition and rarity. Over the last 100+ years, there have been some beautiful works of art created for the sake of advertising, and we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by many of them every day.

We’ll be sharing updates, interesting facts, and tidbits from the poster world with you from time to time, so please visit our blog again, browse our website, and feel free to contact us with your own poster questions.

- js