Phébus Paris poster – Henri Gray 1895 – Vintage Cycling Poster – Blue

Phébus Paris poster | Henri Gray 1895 | Vintage Cycling Poster | Blue This beautiful vintage Phébus Paris poster is an iconic, turn-of-the-century masterpiece illustrated by the renowned artist Henri Gray. The artist, also known as Henri Boulanger was a prolific designer, well-versed in various artistic fields, from illustration to caricature. His works adorned magazines such as Le Boulevardier, Le Boudoir, Chronique Parisienne, Paris Amuses, and Paris Illustré, all signed with the captivating pseudonym “Grivois.” In addition to his illustrations, Gray’s talents extended to creating menus, catalogues, and costumes for prestigious music halls, including the iconic Folies Bergère. As he ventured into the world of poster design in the 1890s, he adopted the name Gray, under which he gained widespread recognition. The poster available for purchase in this listing is one of Gray’s most famous and esteemed works. It was published by Noé Boyer & Cie, a company associated with the esteemed Société Gladiator. Originally established as a bicycle manufacturing business, Noé Boyer & Cie quickly adapted to the rapidly changing times, expanding their repertoire to include tricycles, motorcycles, and eventually automobiles. In 1899, they set up a factory in Paris to produce a new line of automobiles under the brand name Phébus. This vintage Phébus Paris poster was specifically created to promote the new automobile brand. Gray ingeniously superimposes the brand name over a symbol of the sun’s rays, drawing inspiration from the Greek mythology translation of Phébus as “the shining,” often associated with the Sun. The poster features a striking depiction of a semi-clad red-headed angel or protector reaching out towards a wheel, symbolizing the freedom and liberty that the motor car could offer, a prevalent theme of the late 1800s. This vintage Phebus poster is one of our favourites by one of our favourite poster artists, we are not alone in our admiration. Original copies of this poster fetch prices exceeding £4000, a testament to its artistic and historical significance. Owning an original vintage poster is a true treasure and often proves to be a wise investment. However, for many of us, the cost of an original may be prohibitive. That’s where our high-quality reproductions come in, offering a more affordable option without compromising on the stunning visual impact. When framed and displayed in your living room, these reproductions exude a timeless charm that can elevate any space.