About the Artist
Charles D. Rice was an inventor and draughtsman active in the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid technological change and the rise of patent documentation as a visual language. Working within the expanding world of industrial design, Rice contributed to a culture where technical drawings served both legal and creative purposes, capturing the ingenuity of inventors for future generations.
His patent illustrations are now valued by those interested in the history of engineering and cycling, reflecting a time when the bicycle symbolized innovation and personal mobility.
The Artwork
Created in 1896, this patent sheet emerged during the golden era of cycling, when the bicycle was revolutionizing transportation and everyday life. Patent drawings like this one were essential for securing intellectual property, providing a clear and standardized record of new mechanical ideas. They offer a window into the inventive spirit of the age, documenting how inventors sought to improve comfort, efficiency, and safety in cycling.
This artwork stands as a testament to the era's optimism and the transformative impact of the bicycle, resonating with those who appreciate both design history and mechanical ingenuity.
Style & Characteristics
The print is composed in the manner of a technical blueprint, displaying multiple views of a bicycle and its components, each meticulously labeled with figure numbers and annotations. The precise black linework and careful drafting lend the image clarity and authority, while the warm beige background evokes a sense of vintage authenticity.
The overall mood is thoughtful and understated, appealing to admirers of schematic art and industrial design. For more inspiration, explore our cycling posters and prints or discover the refined simplicity of black and white wall art.
In Interior Design
This vintage print brings a touch of intellectual charm to offices, studios, hallways, or reading nooks, especially in spaces that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. It complements modern, minimalist, and industrial interiors, and can be integrated into gallery walls alongside maps, typography, or workshop photography.
Pair with warm neutrals, oak, and linen to echo the paper's tone, or use a matte black frame for a sharper look. For more subtle pairings, browse our beige wall art and create a harmonious, design-conscious atmosphere.
