Phares Ducellier
Lithography on paper
Philippe Chapellier was a French Impressionist, modern artist, caricaturist and illustrator. He was known for his artistic advertising posters for department stores, automobiles and motorcycles/bicycles. He often paid great attention to female beauty. In 1900 he opened his own lithography studio.
Ducellier (founded in 1830) was and is (now known as Valeo) a famous automobile electrical components company and in this advertisement Chapellier is promoting acetylene headlights (phares). We see an unsuspecting couple enjoying each other’s company in the anonymity of a countryside evening rudely interrupted by the bright headlights of a speedy automobilist. Everyone is caught by surprise, including the ducks, and the driver is furious.
Artistic Posters P. Chapellier, 12 B.d Magenta, Paris
Revenue stamp (tax stamp) used for collecting taxes or duties for advertising in France.