Late 19th - 5 Antique French Trade Cards - Advertising Chromolithographs - Educational Botanical Series - Bernheim & Cie Store Ephemera

This lot comprises five charming French chromolithographed trade cards, likely distributed as an advertising series by 'Maison Bernheim & Cie', a department store from Auxerre. These cards are part of an educational collection illustrating various useful plants and trees, depicting their natural environment, the people involved in harvesting or processing, and the derived products. Such promotional items were popular in the late 19th century, offering both an advertisement and a collectible, informative piece.

One card depicts the 'Houx' (Holly) tree. The left side showcases a holly tree in a winter landscape with vibrant red berries. The right side illustrates a man carrying a holly branch over his shoulder and a woman with a basket full of holly, suggesting traditional uses and perhaps the festive aspect of the plant.

Another card features the 'Palmier' (Palm tree). The illustration shows a tall palm tree on the left, while the right side portrays two men engaged in activities related to palm products, such as collecting sap or dates. Icons of derived goods like 'savon' (soap) and possibly 'huile' (oil) are also present.

The card labeled 'Liège' (Cork) presents a cork oak tree on the left. The right-hand scene shows individuals engaged in stripping bark from cork trees, along with a camel laden with large bundles of cork, indicating its transport and commercial significance. Various cork items are also displayed.

The 'Cacaoyer' (Cacao tree) card illustrates the tree with its distinctive pods on the left, with people harvesting them. The right side of the card shifts to an indoor setting where women are busy processing cacao, likely preparing 'chocolat' (chocolate), as suggested by a small box label.

Finally, the 'Jaquier (Arbre à pain)' card shows a jackfruit (Breadfruit tree) on the left. The right side features native figures and a sailor, surrounding large fruits and a bag labeled 'pâte fermentée' (fermented paste), highlighting the fruit's importance as a food source.