Anonymous - Cacao Van Houten - LYCÈNES - 1890s

Cacao Van Houten – Rare illustrated advertising postcard "Lycènes" – Naturalistic Entomological Series – France / Netherlands – circa 1895-1905

Fascinating and rare original advertising postcard dedicated to the famous Cacao Van Houten, precious witness to European illustrated advertising at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The refined chromolithography depicts several species of butterflies belonging to the Lycènes (Liceni) group, immersed in lush autumn-colored vegetation.

The composition, rich in naturalistic details and marked by notable artistic quality, reflects the strong interest in scientific divulgation and natural history that characterized the Belle Époque.

On the front the inscription appears:
"CACAO VAN HOUTEN"

and the title of the plate:
"LYCÈNES"

On the back there is a descriptive text in French dedicated to the Licenidi, an elegant family of butterflies widespread in Europe, accompanied by the usual advertising promotion for Cacao Van Houten, described as a nutritious, easily digestible beverage, preferable to coffee and tea for daily consumption.

This naturalistic series represents one of the most fascinating advertising productions created by Van Houten, able to combine educational and promotional purposes on a single illustrated support.

The print quality, the rich color, and the entomological subject make this specimen particularly interesting for collectors of historical advertising, natural history, and antique illustrated postcards.

Characteristics
Type: illustrated advertising postcard
Brand: Van Houten
Manufacturer: C.J. Van Houten & Zoon
Place of production: Weesp, Netherlands
Period: circa 1895-1905
Material: cardboard printed
Technique: polychrome chromolithography
Language: French
Print: front and back
Subject: Lycènes (Licenidi) butterflies and naturalistic vegetation
Series: Naturalistic / Entomological
Original vintage advertisement
Unused
Rarity: high

Dimensions
Height: about 9.5 cm
Width: about 14.5 cm

Conditions
Excellent overall conservation considering its age of over a hundred years. Shows minor signs of time, light handling traces, and minimal edge wear compatible with its production and preservation era. Colors still well preserved and print sharp on both sides. Texts perfectly legible.

Please carefully observe the photographs, which form an integral part of the description.