Lot 447
An Advertising Poster by C. A. Houbras - La Foudre - Éclair. A large lithographic poster designed by the French artist C. A. Houbras, with lithography by J. Thoorens and published by Verger et Baret, Paris. Dating from circa 1893, depicting a young lady mounted on an early pneumatic-tyred safety bicycle during a thunderstorm with a bolt of lightning in the sky behind her: hence the reference to the name of the bicycle, La Foudre - Éclair. The bicycle is advertised as being retailed (Magasin de vente) by Dandeu et Cie, 50, Bd. De Strasbourg, (Paris). Measuring 120 x 78cm, the sheet has been mounted on cardboard at an early date, and is currently sandwiched between sheets of clear Perspex, which has some damage on the left-hand edge. The poster itself is in fair condition, with some minor damage at the corners and at the creases from when originally folded.
