149 290
DESIGNER UNKNOWN
239
●
CYCLES GLADIATOR. Circa 1895.
37
1
/
2
x 52 inches, 95
1
/
4
x132 cm. G. Massias, Paris.
Condition B: expertly recreated bottom margin and upper left corner; repaired tears, creases and overpainting
in margins and image; unobtrusive vertical and horizontal folds.
During the 1890s, when bicycles were one of the most advertised products in the poster world, the
fantastic concept that a bicycle was powerful enough to propel a rider into space was used surprisingly
frequently (see Swann Auction #1945, lot 59 and Swann Auction #1991, lot 41). This is the most
spectacular of all the posters, mixing science fiction and surrealism with turn-of-the-century eroticism,
showing a naked, beautiful woman with extravagant red hair, being pulled through the cosmos by her
bicycle (considering the role censors played in poster advertising, it is unusual that this image passed
inspection). The spokes sparkle like stars and two little wings on the bicycle pedals add to the kitschy
charm and surrealist nature of the image. Although the poster is signed “LW,” it is still considered
anonymous, as the only possible LW is Lucein Weiluc, and this does not appear to be his work. Reims
154, 100 Bicycles 42, Dodge p. 117, Voici p. 11 (and cover), Gallo p. 97.
[10,000/15,000]