Privat - Michelin advertising - 1900s

La Française – Pneus Michelin
France, circa 1905–1915
129cm x 160cm Folded in 4
Colour lithographic poster promoting Michelin bicycle tires, featuring a powerful racing cyclist in motion. The design exemplifies the golden age of French cycling, when competitive sport and industrial innovation were closely linked. The reference to La Française, a leading bicycle marque and racing team of the period, underscores Michelin’s association with elite performance and technical excellence.
Produced during the Belle Époque, this poster reflects the height of French illustrated advertising, using bold composition and idealized athletic imagery to convey speed, endurance, and reliability. The dynamic figure and refined color palette are characteristic of early 20th-century French commercial art.
The artwork is attributed to a prominent French poster artist of the period Pierre-Gonzague Privat . Printed by stone lithography.
Condition:
Original folds, with age-related toning, creases, and edge wear with minor loss,strong loss on top right but overall a rare and authentic example which will linen back well with restoration.This poster is folded in 4 sections but will be sent rolled unless told otherwise by the new buyer.
Provenance:
Private collection.