Victor Hugo, Lafayette, Lamartine, Pélissier. - 4 Menus anciens illustrés Art nouveau. - 1900-1920

Lot of 4 old illustrated Art Nouveau menus – Victor Hugo, Lafayette, Lamartine, Pélissier – Grand Hôtel de Paris – Néris-les-Bains – Benedictine Advertising – Circa 1900
Bibliographic and historical description
Superb set of four ancient gastronomic menus, illustrated in polychrome chromolithography, dating presumably from the early 20th century, Circa 1900-1920.
These four menus come from the prestigious Grand Hôtel de Paris, in Néris-les-Bains (Allier), a renowned seaside spa establishment, then operated by Lassalas, the proprietor.
They constitute remarkable testimonies of the art of living and French gastronomy in the Belle Époque.
An exceptional historical iconography
Each menu presents a decorative color composition combining a grand historical scene, delicately illustrated flowers, and an advertisement for the famous Benedictine liqueur of Fécamp.
The four compositions depict:
1. Victor Hugo at the Comédie-Française – Dinner of August 12
Evocation of the great French writer Victor Hugo (1802-1885), depicted surrounded by several characters.
Magnificent composition accompanied by a bouquet of lilacs.
2. Lafayette landing in America – Dinner of August 11.
Representation of the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), a major figure in American independence and Franco-American friendship.
Patriotic illustration with ships, characters in uniform and the American flag, complemented by spring flowers.
3. Pélissier at Malakoff – Dinner of August 8
Military scene recalling Marshal Aimable Pélissier (1794-1864), famous for the capture of Malakoff during the Crimean War in 1855.
Especially spectacular composition featuring officers, soldiers, uniforms and a battle scene.
4. Lamartine saluting the tricolor flag – Dinner of August 8
Evocation of the poet and statesman Alphonse de Lamartine (1790-1869), defending the tricolor flag during the 1848 revolution.
Beautiful historical and patriotic scene, accompanied by large red flowers.
Features and collecting interest
Four different menus belonging to the same decorative series.
Color illustrations inspired by the Belle Époque and Art Nouveau.
French and Franco-American historical scenes.
Floral décors signed within the composition, signature to decipher.
Old advertisement for Benedictine liqueur: A glass of Benedictine after the meal.
Gastronomic menus fully handwritten in ink.
Printed header, Grand Hôtel de Paris Lassalas, owner – Néris-les-Bains.
The manuscript menus testify to the refined gastronomy of the great hotels of the Belle Époque: consommés, turbots, salmon, beef fillets, poulardes, partridges, ice creams and pastries.
Good overall condition for these old documents.
Colors still bright, illustrations well preserved and legible handwritten inscriptions.
Presence of old horizontal creases, light handling marks, small stains and signs of time.
Documents showing a fine authenticity and real decorative interest.
An especially appealing set bringing together several collecting domains:
Old menus – French gastronomy – Belle Époque – chromolithography – Art Nouveau – Benedictine advertising – French history – Victor Hugo – Lafayette – Lamartine – Crimean War – thermal hotel industry.
Original four-menu lot, offered as a set, ideal for a collector of historical menus, old advertising prints or French iconography.
The photos are an integral part of the description.
Expedition via Chronopost or other, depending on the country, with insurance.