1910s - Vintage French Menu Card - Elegant Hand-Calligraphed Dinner Dishes - Classic Cuisine - Historical Dining Ephemera - Collectible.

This exquisite antique menu card presents a sophisticated selection of classic French dishes, meticulously hand-calligraphed on a sturdy cardstock.

The front of the card features a bold 'Menu' title, underscored by elegant lines, followed by a list of culinary delights. The offerings include 'Potage Paysanne' (Peasant Soup), 'Filets de Sole Joinville' (Dover Sole Fillets Joinville style, often with shrimp or crayfish), 'Ris de Veau Chicorée' (Veal Sweetbreads with Chicory), 'Filet sauce Chasseur' (Hunter's Sauce Fillet, typically beef or game), 'Poulardes du Mans' (Fattened Hens from Le Mans), 'Pointes d'asperges' (Asparagus Tips), 'Glace' (Ice Cream), and 'Desserts'. This carefully curated meal suggests a formal dining occasion, possibly a special event or a high-end restaurant experience from the early 20th century. The calligraphy itself is a work of art, with fluid strokes and ornate flourishes that speak to a bygone era of craftsmanship and attention to detail in presentation.

Flipping the card reveals a charming, hand-drawn illustration of a young boy in period attire, running with a hoop. This delightful image is accompanied by a gracefully inscribed name, 'Mademoiselle Gabrielle Delafoy'. The combination of culinary artistry and whimsical illustration makes this document a unique piece of historical ephemera, offering a fascinating glimpse into the gastronomic and social customs of the 1910s. It stands as a testament to the elegant dining experiences and personal touches that defined celebrations and meals of that period.