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"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
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"A shop to visit absolutely. Huge selection of posters. We spent more than an hour there !"
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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Maurice Toussaint was a French illustrator renowned for his contributions to the visual culture of the Belle Epoque. His work thrived during a period when posters became a vital means of communication, blending artistry with the commercial ambitions of the era. Toussaint’s travel imagery reflects a time when French coastal destinations were promoted as aspirational escapes, capturing the spirit of leisure and adventure that defined late nineteenth-century France.
His posters are part of a broader movement in French graphic design, where artists shaped the identity of regions and cities through compelling visual storytelling. For more examples of this tradition, browse our advertising posters and explore the evolution of French graphic art.
The Artwork
La cote d Emeraude celebrates the magnetic appeal of Saint-Malo and the Brittany coastline, a region steeped in maritime history and local legend. Created around 1890, this poster emerged at a time when the rise of railways made seaside holidays accessible to a wider public, fueling a new culture of travel and recreation. The artwork functioned as both an invitation to explore and a cherished memento for visitors, embodying the optimism and freedom of early tourism along the French coast.
As a travel poster, it not only advertised a destination but also captured the era’s fascination with the sea, fresh air, and the promise of escape from urban life. This piece stands as a testament to the transformative power of travel and the enduring charm of Brittany’s rugged shores.
Style & Characteristics
The design features the hallmarks of classic French poster art: simplified silhouettes, assertive contours, and striking typography that commands attention. A deep blue dominates the composition, evoking the vastness of the sea, while crisp whites and graphic black details provide strong contrast. Accents of red and orange add warmth and vibrancy, energizing the coastal scene.
The image favors bold, flat color fields and clear shapes over intricate detail, creating a fresh, breezy atmosphere. The overall effect is both nostalgic and modern, making it a versatile choice for gallery walls or as part of our sea and ocean collection.
In Interior Design
This Saint-Malo poster brings a sense of openness and movement to living rooms, entryways, or home offices. Its graphic structure complements contemporary, Scandinavian, and mid-century interiors, offering visual clarity without excess ornamentation.
Pair its blue tones with linen, pale wood, or brushed steel for a harmonious look, and echo the red or orange accents in accessories like cushions or ceramics. It also works beautifully in coastal-inspired spaces and bathrooms with crisp whites, especially when combined with other blue tone prints for a cohesive, travel-inspired decor.