Henri Meunier’s Gonthier-Meymans lithographic poster, published by Verlag von Gerhard Kühtmann in Dresden, 1897. While this poster was printed in multiple sizes and formats, this 1897 edition of 40 strikes on Japon paper is the most desirable and extremely scarce edition. The rare, small format poster lithographs created at this time were printed using rich, dense, lead inks.
The son of an etcher and nephew of a sculptor, Meunier’s harmony of simple color palette and Japonist linework communicates an informed and elegant sensitivity to design. This poster relies solely on its composition to showcase the wares of Gonthier-Meymans, a vendor of fabric, art framing, and housewares.
“Belgium was one of the forefronts of the Art Nouveau movement… Henri Meunier bridged the completely modern style presented by Livemont with the traditional influences that inspired [William] Bradley and [Eugene] Grasset, to elegant result.”
-Quoted from from Flowering Lines: Rare Art Nouveau Graphics 1883-1911 by Thomas Negovan (2017)
Paper measures 8 3/8 x 11 1/2 inches. Exceptional condition commensurate with age. Extremely minimal toning along upper and right edges. Light discoloration on right edge. Very mild point of abrasion in lower left margin. Image and majority of paper surface is impeccable, inks are dense and bold; will frame beautifully. This artwork is presented in archival rag mat and arrives accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Notable museum collections featuring works by Henri Meunier include: Museum of Modern Art, New York City; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; The British Museum, London; Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
