Pictorial posters, so common today, began circa 1890, as a departure from simple type matter. Many companies enlisted the aid of fine artists to show and enhance their products, as well as advertising upcoming events, and commemorating racing results. Some of the very finest posters ever done in this genre are from the 1920-1930s. These would include work by such creative forces as Privat Livemont, Rene Vincent, Coulon, Falcucci, Geo Ham, Mundorf, and Hierl.
At the top of the list would be the Grand Prix Monaco posters of the 1930s. The ability of the artist to place the car in the most desirable angle/location draws the viewer’s eye precisely where intended. One can see this quite clearly in the Delahaye by Perot. The lovely 1903 ACF by Livemont stands as one of the very finest in the Art Nouveau world. The Klaussen by Coulin must be one of the very best examples of Art Deco ever done.
The wide variety of styles and artistic interpretation are on full display with this group. Vintage posters should be professionally framed with UV-treated glazing and placed in low-light situations. As with all “collectibles,” one should be buying because the piece resonates with you and is something you love. Think of it this way: you are going to be seeing this with frequency, so the piece should bring you joy, not regret. To buy for “investment” is missing the entire point, as the appreciation and ownership is its own reward that cannot be measured in dollars.
