About the Artist
Arthur Foache was a poster designer active in France around 1900, during the flourishing era of the Belle Époque. He contributed to the visual language of public advertising, when illustrated posters became a vital part of urban life and commercial culture. Foache’s work reflects the period’s fascination with modernity and the power of design to shape public perception.
This Bicycle Clément poster is emblematic of the golden age of French lithographic advertising, and it remains a significant piece for collectors interested in vintage advertising art and the early history of cycling.
The Artwork
Commissioned to promote the Clément bicycle brand, this 1900 poster embodies the spirit of a time when cycling represented freedom, innovation, and social change. As bicycles became more accessible, they transformed daily routines and leisure activities, and brands like Clément sought to capture the imagination of a growing urban audience through striking visual campaigns.
The artwork’s central figure—a poised woman with confident posture—reflects the era’s ideals of progress and sophistication. The poster stands as a testament to how advertising art shaped aspirations and mirrored the optimism of the early twentieth century.
Style & Characteristics
The composition features an elegant woman in a flowing gown beside a bicycle, rendered with the curvilinear lines and decorative flair typical of Art Nouveau. The interplay between the figure and the bicycle creates a harmonious sense of movement and style.
Vivid colors—especially yellow, red, blue, and white—give the poster a lively, celebratory feel and ensure its visibility. The overall effect is both refined and dynamic, making it a standout example among bike art and early twentieth-century posters.
In Interior Design
This Art Nouveau poster brings a touch of vintage optimism to living rooms, hallways, offices, or creative studios. It pairs beautifully with light walls, warm wood tones, and brass accents, or can add a sophisticated contrast to more industrial spaces.
For a cohesive look, echo one of the poster’s accent colors in nearby decor, and keep surrounding elements minimal to let the design shine. It also works well grouped with other tall formats from vertical posters for a striking, architectural arrangement.
