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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
Eugène Grasset was a Swiss-born artist who became a leading figure of the Art Nouveau movement after settling in Paris. Renowned for his versatility, Grasset worked across poster design, illustration, stained glass, and decorative arts, helping to shape the visual language of late nineteenth-century France. His approach bridged the worlds of fine art and commercial design, elevating everyday objects and advertisements into works of enduring beauty.
Grasset's influence is especially notable in the way he combined refined ornamentation with clear, symbolic imagery. His work is often collected alongside other Art Nouveau posters and classic art prints, reflecting his lasting impact on both graphic design and decorative arts.
The Artwork
Created in 1892, Encre Marquet was commissioned as an advertising poster for a French ink manufacturer at a time when illustrated posters were transforming the streets of Paris into vibrant public galleries. The late nineteenth century saw a surge in visual culture, with posters promoting everything from theatre to consumer goods, and a well-designed advertisement could convey sophistication and modernity.
Rather than simply depicting the product, Grasset imbued the poster with allegorical meaning. The central figure, crowned with laurel, represents the inspiration and discipline of the creative arts, suggesting that fine ink is essential to both literary and musical achievement. This approach reflects the era's fascination with artistry and the romance of intellectual life in the Belle Epoque.
Style & Characteristics
This Art Nouveau poster features a woman crowned with laurel, pausing thoughtfully as she writes, with a harp at her side and a crescent moon overhead. Grasset employs stylized forms, bold outlines, and a decorative border to create a composition that is both elegant and immediately legible. The figure’s flowing drapery and the harmonious arrangement of elements evoke a sense of poetic calm.
The color palette is dominated by warm yellows and oranges, contrasted with deep black accents, producing a luminous, nocturnal atmosphere. The use of strong contours and ornate lettering is characteristic of French lithographic advertising from this period. Collectors of vintage advertising posters will appreciate the poster’s balance of graphic clarity and decorative richness.
In Interior Design
This vintage poster lends a cultured, imaginative touch to studies, libraries, music rooms, or creative workspaces. Its vertical format makes it ideal for anchoring a gallery wall or serving as a striking standalone piece above a desk or console.
Pairing it with warm neutrals, walnut wood, and brass accents highlights its Belle Epoque charm, while a black frame offers a modern contrast. The glowing yellow and orange hues complement earthy textiles, and the bold black lines integrate seamlessly with minimalist decor. It is especially suited to interiors that celebrate Art Nouveau artistry and creative inspiration.