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"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
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"A shop to visit absolutely. Huge selection of posters. We spent more than an hour there !"
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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
William Carqueville was an American illustrator and poster artist active during the Belle Époque, renowned for his ability to merge modern sensibilities with commercial art. His work for major publishers and magazines helped define the sophisticated visual language of late 19th-century advertising, where illustration and typography were crafted to capture attention in bustling urban environments.
Carqueville's posters are admired for their clarity and elegance, making them enduring favorites among collectors of vintage advertising posters and those interested in the evolution of graphic art at the turn of the century.
The Artwork
Created in 1895, this poster was commissioned to promote Lippincott’s Select Novels during a period when leisure reading was becoming a popular pastime. The artwork reflects the era’s enthusiasm for accessible literature and the expanding influence of mass-market publishing. Posters like this served as visual invitations, promising readers a sense of escape, refinement, and personal enrichment through books.
Set against the backdrop of a tranquil waterside scene, the image evokes the late 19th-century fascination with travel, relaxation, and the modern woman’s pursuit of knowledge and leisure. It stands as a testament to the power of visual advertising in shaping cultural aspirations.
Style & Characteristics
The composition features a poised woman seated by the water, engrossed in her book. Carqueville employs strong contour lines and a clean silhouette, with the vertical format emphasizing the figure’s elegance. Bold, legible lettering anchors the design, while broad, simplified shapes ensure clarity from a distance.
The color palette is dominated by luminous blue water, a vivid red dress, and warm yellow details, contrasted with crisp white and deep black outlines. The overall mood is serene and contemplative, characteristic of Art Nouveau poster design, blending decorative appeal with a quiet celebration of reading.
In Interior Design
This poster lends a sense of calm sophistication to spaces such as reading nooks, bedrooms, or home offices. Its tall, vertical format makes it ideal for pairing with other vertical posters or as a statement piece in a hallway.
It harmonizes well with interiors that feature clean lines and curated details, and its palette can be echoed through blue-toned wall art or subtle red accents in textiles and decor. Framing in brass, black, or natural wood enhances its vintage charm and timeless appeal.