Exposition Décennale De L’Automobile 1907

Georges-Antoine Rochegrosse started painting with Alfred Dehodencq. He attended the Julian Academy in Paris in 1871 under the tutelage of Joseph Lefebvre and Gustave Boulanger and finished his studies at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Early on in his career he focused on historical painting, symbolism and later Orientalism. He also made a name for himself as illustrator and poster designer. In 1892 he was awarded the Legion of Honour. He met the love of his life Marie Leblon in 1894 in Algeria. They married in 1896 and she was his muse and his model. She was also the romantic model for this poster. The Automobile Club of France (ACF) is a men’s club founded on 12 November 1895 by Albert de Dion, Paul Meyan and Étienne van Zuylen van Nyevelt. It is the world’s first Automobile Club and the origins of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the French Grand Prix can be found in the actions of the Club. This poster nicely emphasises the elegance of the Club’s Exposition Décennale De L’Automobile in 1907. Printing House J. Barreau, 16 Rue Littré, Paris