Automobiles Delahaye Advertising Poster from 1901

This is an original c1901 linen lithographic print poster for Delahaye Motorcars, at the time, one of France's leading manufacturers. 

The image shows the magnificent figure of the highly popular art nouveau fire goddess figure in the foreground, wreathed by her flaming staff and companion dragon, and holding an olive branch in the direction of the speedy open tourer. The sprig of olive she proffers would represent the progress and enlightenment that this vehicle was offering; progress through the resilience of yearly growth, and enlightenment due to the lamp-lighting oil harvested from the fruit. 

The motorcar is being driven by the young and beautiful female drivers, whilst the chauffeur has been relegated to a seat in the back. The uplift of the feathered bonnets, the blur of the wheels, and the freely flowing scarf gives a sense of the movement and liberation for the women enjoying this early motoring adventure as they leave the town behind and head off. 

The poster has faded over the past 125 years, but the detail is still beautiful to observe. 

The canvas has been stretched over a wooden frame, which has then been framed by the outer wooden frame and perspex cover. It is possible to find art restoration specialists who can reinstate the original colours with period appropriate mediums. 

It measures (with frame) 54" x 40" x 3"