An evocative piece of French advertising history, this vintage decorative poster reproduces an exquisite Art Nouveau composition by Alphonse Mucha, created for the celebrated French biscuit manufacturer Lefèvre-Utile (LU) in 1904.
Featuring the legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt, the composition captures the elegance of the Belle Époque. Dressed in richly embroidered robes and surrounded by flowers, she gazes towards the viewer beneath an ornate arch decorated with stylized hearts and birds. Mucha's distinctive signature, the LU monogram, and the original printer's credit, Imp. F. Champenois – Paris, are reproduced within the design.
The delicate colors, intricate ornamentation and romantic portrait make this a particularly decorative example of Art Nouveau imagery, equally suited to a gallery wall, study or collected interior.
A connection to the history of Lefèvre-Utile
Unlike an ordinary contemporary reproduction, this example retains two interesting commercial labels on its reverse. One identifies Générale Biscuit, the French biscuit group formed in 1978 that incorporated the historic Lefèvre-Utile (LU) business, at its former premises in Athis-Mons, France. The second identifies ITAC, a photographic laboratory and studio formerly operating in Antony, near Paris.
These surviving labels offer an intriguing connection to the poster's commercial history, suggesting that it may have been produced as a decorative or promotional display in France during the late 20th century.
The poster is laminated and mounted on a lightweight rigid board, with a hanging attachment on the reverse. It is a later reproduction of Mucha's original artwork, not an original 1904 lithograph.
Condition
Good vintage decorative condition overall. The central image presents attractively, with well-preserved colors and details.
There is visible age-related wear around the edges, including small dents, scuffs and abrasions. Two corners show some separation from the backing board, and there is a small area of surface loss near the right-hand border.
These imperfections are primarily concentrated around the perimeter and could be partially concealed by suitable framing.
Approx. Dimensions
- Width: 52 cm / 20.5 in
- Height: 72 cm / 28.3 in
- Board thickness: Approx. 0.2 cm / 0.08 in, excluding rear fittings
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.
