4 Antique Gil Blas French Belle Époque Newspaper Advertising Framed Steinlen 23"

Description

Four antique framed Gil Blas newspaper journal cover lithographs, produced circa 1896-1900 by artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. The prints features Art Nouveau style artwork from the French Belle Époque era, showcasing thematic scenes and news from the times.

The Publication: Launched in 1891 as a weekly illustrated supplement to the daily Gil Blas newspaper, it became immensely famous for combining short stories and poems by major literary figures (such as Émile Zola and Guy de Maupassant) with high-quality artistic illustrations.

-Cover 1 Issue 44, 1897. illustrates a piece titled "Aux Grandes Manœuvres" (At the Grand Maneuvers), written by the French journalist and author Jacques Saint-Cère. The Scene: True to the journal's reputation for worldly and satirical commentary, the color lithograph depicts a jovial, richly dressed bourgeois woman flirting over drinks at a dinner table with two mustachioed military officers in uniform.

-Cover 2 Issue 29, 1900. illustration was created to accompany a literary work titled La chienne au loup, written by the French novelist Maurice Montégut.The Composition: Steinlen's drawing depicts an intimate, passionate embrace between a couple under the trees at night. A full moon illuminates a village church steeple in the background. The original preparatory drawing for this print, rendered in brush, black ink, and colored chalk, is housed in the permanent Rosenwald Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

-Cover 3 Issue 45, 1896. Features a lithograph illustration titled La semeuse d'amour (The Sower of Love), which was created by artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen. The color lithograph depicts a lively street interaction set in a historically inspired era: Central Figure: A young woman with stylized blonde hair and a dynamic dress stands prominently in the center.The Men: A group of men dressed in elaborate period costumes—complete with wide-brimmed feathered tricorn hats, ruffled collars, capes, and walking canes—surround her, looking on intently.Background: The setting implies a Parisian alley or courtyard, consistent with the magazine's focus on urban romance, social realism, and theatrical themes common in Belle Époque literature.

-Cover 4 - Issue 41, 1897. illustration titled "Les Bottines" (The Boots) accompanies a piece by French writer and journalist J. Saint-Cère.: The illustration captures a classic Belle Époque social realism scene featuring patrons leaning against a café or bar counter.

Condition

Discoloration fromm age; gentle wear to frames

Dimensions

18.75" x 1" x 22.75" / Sans Frame - 10.5" x 14.5" (W x D x H)