Late 19th - Antique French Advertising Trade Cards - Pair of Chromolithographs - Children Themes - Bordeaux Store Ephemera - Bognard Paris

This charming pair of original Late 19th Century French advertising trade cards, known as chromos, showcases delightful illustrations related to childhood. These antique ephemera pieces were produced for 'A La Dame Blanche,' a store located at 109, 111, 113 Cours des Fossés in Bordeaux, France. Each card features a unique, colorful scene with a young child, reflecting the popular aesthetic of the era. These vibrant chromolithographs are perfect examples of period advertising, combining artistry with commercial promotion from a bygone era.

The first card, titled 'Le Petit Lapin' (The Little Rabbit), depicts a cherubic child in a white smock with a red sash, seated amidst lush green foliage and delicate wildflowers. The child is engrossed in playing with the shadow of a rabbit projected onto a large piece of paper. The intricate details and soft color palette evoke a sense of innocence and playful wonder, characteristic of late 19th-century children's illustrations. The background subtly suggests an idyllic natural setting.

The second card, 'Futur Peintre' (Future Painter), presents another sweet child, this time dressed in a golden yellow garment, actively engaged in painting. The child holds a brush, creating a large blue 'A' shape on a canvas or paper, with an open paint box visible nearby, its vibrant colors contrasting with the child's attire. Splashes of paint on the child's clothing and feet add to the authenticity of the scene. Both cards bear the subtle mark 'Bognard Paris' vertically along the right edge, indicating their origin. These well-preserved advertising cards offer a glimpse into the sophisticated printing techniques and marketing strategies of the late 19th century in Bordeaux.