RG-2026-008
Automobile de Voyages (8 Horsepower) No. 213 – Colored Lithograph from "La Carrosserie Française," L. Lagard, Paris.
ca. 1895–1902
About the Work
This exquisite print comes from the esteemed Parisian publisher L. Lagard and depicts one of the earliest automobiles during the pivotal transition between horse-drawn carriages and motor vehicles—exactly the moment that shaped design history. Printed by the renowned Imprimeries Lemercier, the leading lithography firm in France during the Belle Époque, this piece features a striking yellow and black color palette adorned with a coat of arms. It stands as a decorative highlight and an authentic document of automotive design history, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Collector Interest
Automobilia from the pioneer era (before 1905) is highly sought after internationally – especially in the USA (Petroliana/Automobilia collectors), Japan (technical precision prints), and Germany (classic car aficionados). This work combines the tradition of carriages with the modern automobile era – a perfect statement for interior design in lofts, galleries, or classic car showrooms around the world.
Provenance
From a private collection in Zug: This rare sheet from the Paris publication "La Carrosserie Française" (Lagard Publishing, circa 1898–1902) documents the birth of the automobile. Vehicle No. 213, with 8 horsepower, combines the elegance of the carriage tradition with the revolutionary technology of the internal combustion engine. Printed by Lemercier, the most significant lithography workshop in France at that time. Framed in a contemporary gilded frame with a gray mat – ready to hang.
Inscriptions
AUTOMOBILE DE VOYAGES (8 Chevaux) No 213 / Dessine et Publié par L. LAGARD. 22, Rue des Acacias — PARIS / LA CARROSSERIE FRANÇAISE. / Déposé. / Imprimeries Lemercier, Paris