A remarkable pair of original late-19th-century French lithographic prints featuring Harper's Magazine Christmas, the celebrated Art Nouveau design by Eugène Grasset (1841–1917).
Published in Paris in 1897 as part of Les Affiches étrangères illustrées, the two prints present the same composition in strikingly different treatments: one in rich, vibrant color and the other in a delicate monochrome blue.
An Iconic Art Nouveau Composition
Originally created in 1892 for the Christmas issue of Harper's Magazine, Grasset's design depicts a winged angel with flowing curls, playing a golden trumpet against a richly ornamented background of mistletoe and decorative foliage.
The composition is a beautiful example of Grasset's distinctive graphic language, combining medieval-inspired imagery, elaborate lettering and the flowing organic forms that helped define Art Nouveau.
The full-color impression features deep blue, warm red, olive green and gold tones, while the second impression reveals the intricate linework of the design in a restrained blue monochrome palette.
Displayed together, the two prints offer a fascinating comparison of the same artwork through color and line.
From a Celebrated 1897 French Publication
Both sheets bear the original printed inscriptions identifying Grasset's design, the series Les Affiches étrangères, publisher G. Boudet and Imprimerie Chaix, Paris.
They originate from Les Affiches étrangères illustrées, an important publication documenting the international poster art movement at the end of the nineteenth century.
The publication was issued in a limited number of copies on different paper types, including special editions on Japanese and China paper. According to the original edition information, 25 copies were produced on Japanese paper, 25 on China paper and 1,000 on vellum paper.
The seller identified these two impressions as being on China paper, with one displaying partial embossing. However, their precise paper edition has not been independently verified.
These are period lithographic publication prints, not modern reproductions and not the larger original 1892 advertising poster.
Condition
- Both prints are preserved in attractive antique condition, with natural age-related toning, occasional small foxing marks, light handling wear and minor imperfections along the edges and corners.
- The full-colour impression retains strong, vivid colours, while the monochrome blue impression displays finely rendered detail.
- The reverse sides show natural paper discoloration consistent with their age.
Details
Artist: Eugène Grasset (1845–1917)
Artwork: Harper's Magazine Christmas
Original design: 1892
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: G. Boudet, Paris
Printer: Imprimerie Chaix, France
Publication: Les Affiches étrangères illustrées
Medium: Antique lithographic prints on paper
Set: Two impressions, one full-colour and one monochrome blue
Style: Art Nouveau / Belle Époque
Origin: France
Presentation: Unframed, sold together as a pair
Approx. Dimensions (Each Lithograph)
Overall paper sheet
- Width: 22 cm / 8.66 in
- Height: 32.5 cm / 12.80 in
Printed illustration
- Width: 15.5 cm / 6.10 in
- Height: 22 cm / 8.66 in
The printed illustration is surrounded by generous original paper margins, which also accommodate the publisher's and printer's inscriptions.
Both lithographs are sold unframed.
Shipping & Insurance
This item will be carefully packed and shipped fully insured.
Shipping costs and any applicable import duties or taxes are calculated at checkout.
