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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Fernand Le Quesne was a French illustrator and poster designer who flourished during the Belle Epoque, a period when vibrant lithographic posters transformed public spaces across Europe. His work captured the optimism and dynamism of early twentieth-century travel, blending artistic flair with commercial appeal. Le Quesne’s posters were crafted to entice viewers, using visual storytelling to evoke the excitement of new destinations and the promise of modern transportation.
His legacy endures in the world of vintage advertising, where his ability to combine narrative and design continues to inspire collectors and admirers of classic poster art.
The Artwork
Produced in 1901, this poster for Cie.Cle Transatlantique was created at a time when steamship travel symbolized progress and cosmopolitan adventure. The artwork was intended to promote voyages from France to Algiers, reflecting the era’s fascination with Mediterranean routes and the allure of North African destinations. Such posters were not just advertisements, but also cultural artifacts that shaped perceptions of travel, luxury, and global connection.
By presenting the steamship as a bridge between worlds, Le Quesne’s image captured both the technological marvel of the vessel and the exotic promise of Algiers, making travel itself an aspirational experience. For more on this genre, explore our vintage advertising posters and sea and ocean wall art collections.
Style & Characteristics
The poster’s composition features a grand steamship moving through deep blue waters, its white hull and superstructure sharply outlined against the sea. In the background, the cityscape of Algiers rises in bright whites and ochres, with hints of red and yellow adding warmth and vibrancy. The bold, legible typography at the top anchors the design, while simplified forms and strong contrasts ensure the image is striking from a distance.
The overall mood is fresh and inviting, with a sense of movement and anticipation. The lithographic technique lends a crisp, graphic quality, typical of early twentieth-century travel posters. This piece appeals to those who appreciate classic travel imagery and the elegance of Belle Epoque design.
In Interior Design
This vintage travel poster brings a cultured, adventurous spirit to living rooms, offices, or entryways. Its maritime palette of blues and whites pairs beautifully with nautical or coastal decor, while the architectural details and warm accents complement both traditional and modern interiors.
To highlight its period charm, combine it with blue tone prints or display alongside other works from our advertising collection for a sophisticated gallery wall.