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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
Henri Boulanger Gray was a prominent poster designer in the vibrant Parisian art scene of the late nineteenth century. Working during the golden age of illustrated advertising, Gray contributed to the rise of Art Nouveau, a movement where fine art and commercial graphics merged with distinctive flair. His posters helped shape the visual language of urban life, capturing the spirit of innovation and elegance that defined the era.
Gray’s work often drew on allegory and myth to elevate everyday products, reflecting a time when advertising was becoming both an art form and a cultural force in modern France.
The Artwork
This 1898 poster for Phébus bicycles uses classical references to communicate the excitement of new technology. The name Phébus alludes to Phoebus Apollo, the god of light, symbolizing speed and progress at the dawn of the twentieth century. In this composition, the bicycle wheel is transformed into an emblem of freedom and modernity, echoing the optimism of a city embracing new forms of mobility.
For enthusiasts of vintage advertising posters and those interested in the intersection of myth and industry, this piece illustrates how commercial art could inspire and captivate the public imagination. Explore more in our bike collection for related works.
Style & Characteristics
The poster features a dramatic vertical layout, dominated by a winged figure descending toward a radiant bicycle wheel. Bold, stylized typography grounds the composition, while flat planes of saturated blue contrast with vibrant orange and golden accents. The lithographic technique ensures clarity and impact, making the design instantly recognizable from a distance.
The overall mood is uplifting and dynamic, with a sense of movement and lightness that typifies Art Nouveau poster art. The interplay of cool and warm tones creates a harmonious and energetic atmosphere, ideal for collectors of blue or orange themed prints.
In Interior Design
This vintage poster brings narrative energy and historic charm to interiors, especially in entryways, home offices, or living rooms seeking a striking focal point. Its tall format suits narrow spaces and complements gallery walls featuring decorative art.
Pair with navy, cream, and warm wood tones, or highlight the orange details with terracotta and brass accents. This Art Nouveau bicycle poster appeals to design enthusiasts, collectors of French graphics, and anyone curating a sophisticated wall display around transportation history.