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1900s - 3 Antique French Advertising Trade Cards - Commedia dell'Arte - Humorous Scenes - French Grocer & Malt Kneipp Advertisements

1900s - 3 Antique French Advertising Trade Cards - Commedia dell'Arte - Humorous Scenes - French Grocer & Malt Kneipp Advertisements

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Vintage from the 1900s

Handpicked by Vincent

Dimensions: 10x6 cm (3.9x2.4 in)

This collection features three antique French advertising trade cards, often referred to as chromos, showcasing charming and humorous scenes. Each card displays vibrant illustrations with distinctive gold detailing, characteristic of early 20th-century lithography. These pieces served as promotional material for French businesses, combining artistic appeal with commercial messaging, making them collectible ephemera from a bygone era. Their engaging imagery and narrative elements suggest they were designed to captivate and entertain prospective customers.


One card depicts a classic Commedia dell'Arte scene, with Arlequin (Harlequin) kneeling respectfully before Colombine (Columbine). The background features a serene landscape with trees and a house, all highlighted in golden tones. Below the illustration, the text reads 'Arlequin et Colombine' (Harlequin and Columbine) on the left and 'Ou est Pierrot' (Where is Pierrot) on the right, adding a playful question to the romantic tableau.


Another card portrays a lively street gathering, titled 'Sortie des Vêpres' (Coming out of Vespers). Several figures in period attire are depicted, including women in elegant dresses—one with a polka-dot pattern and another in bold stripes—and men, one of whom is seated on what appears to be a small wheeled cart. The scene is set against an architectural backdrop, also enhanced with gold. The phrase 'Cherchez le Suisse' (Find the Swiss Guard) is printed at the bottom right, suggesting a game or puzzle within the illustration.


The third card, titled 'La Récréation' (Recess or Playtime), illustrates a dynamic outdoor scene with four male figures engaged in an energetic game. One figure is playfully hoisted onto another's back, while a third lies on the ground, and the fourth gestures animatedly. The setting includes trees and distant buildings, all rendered with golden accents. The text 'Cherchez le Pion' (Find the Pawn or Find the Bully) accompanies the title, implying another interactive element or challenge for the viewer.
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