PAL CLEVELAND CYCLES. 1898.

56x43 1/2 inches. Paul Dupont, Paris.
Condition B+: trimmed left margin; repaired tears and overpainting in margins; repaired tears and creases along vertical and horizontal folds.
Pal designed more posters for the bicycle industry than any other artist in Paris. He worked for a dozen different manufacturers, compelling him to continuously find novel ways to promote their products. Through his creativity, ingenuity and graphic exuberance this proved to be no problem as he would gladly evoke kitsch, and dress (or undress) his buxom women in the most bizarre attire in order to keep all of the advertisers happy. Having found a client with a clearly American sounding name, Pal decided to go straight to the heart of America and use the image of a Native American to promote the product. Indians, and the mythology of the American West, were very popular throughout France thanks in large part to Buffalo Bill,who had begun touring his Wild West Show around Europe in 1889. Here the proud warrior, raised tomahawk in hand, is outpacing his fellows on their horses. One of several images Pal designed for the company featuring Native Americans, all of which are equally as surprising and effective.