Though my skills in other languages are minimal, my mailbox is multilingual. Just a few days ago I retrieved a happy envelope full of postcard goodies from France. Louise of Drops of Everything sent me the package thanking me for a kindness. Of course, this was unnecessary, but I’m learning not to stifle people’s desire to give or my mailbox’s right to be happy. 😉
Louise sent a note via Instagram letting me know that “a little something” was on the way. I had no idea what, but since I love surprises, I didn’t even try to guess. Therefore, I was thoroughly pleased when I opened the envelope and found five glossy vintage French advertisement reproductions.
The postcards are from a collection of vintage postcard reproductions. I’ve done my best to find out more about the collection, but my French is beyond rusty (an understatement). No matter. There was a lot of great information on the backs of the postcards. The collection is called “Les Publicites Anciennes,” roughly translated “old advertisements.”
Reproduction of a beautiful lithographic poster executed about 1900 (anonymous author) for “Cocoa Van Houten.” Printing: F. Champeois, Paris. Source: Private collection.
Reproduction of a famous and original chromo-lithograph of 1893 designed by the artist Firmin Bouisset for the “Chocolat Menier.” Printer: Offices Camis Paris. Source: Private Collection.
Reproduction of an original chromo-lithograph of 1897 designed by the artist Firmin Bouisset for “Biscuits Lu” (Lefevre Utile). Printer: Offices Camis Paris. Source: Private collection.
Reproduction of a beautiful chromo-lithograph produced at the beginning of the 20th century for Ets Vendors which at that time made “Calais” biscuits. Printer: F. Champenois, Paris. Source: Private collection.
Reproduction of a famous illustration (first half of 20th century) produced by the artist Germaine Bouret (1907-1953) for the Pâtisserie de face collective, found on pastry packaging and cake boxes. Source: Private collection.
Aren’t these delicious? And they arrived in time for the holidays. 🙂
It seems the postcards come from a collection “Les Authentiques et les Imaginares.” In my search for more information about the postcards, I discovered that there are a number of counterfeits of Germaine Bouret’s work and some vendors continue to sell the postcards even though it is illegal to do so. I’m baffled by the lengths people will go to profit off someone else’s creative and intellectual property, but I’m curious about the Bouret counterfeits. In my curiosity, I was led to an original sketch of the illustration above: Bouret Advertisement Illustrations. In fact, on this site the particular collection from which this postcard comes was listed as an offender (but not this particular postcard). Interesting, right? When time permits, I’m going to uncover as much as I can about this collection.
So…Louise, thanks for sending me a bundle of gorgeous postcards AND the unplanned intrigue!
Pics and Posts 
Sweet of you Chandra! I just love your blogpost. Thank you to have shared that “little something”, I thought they would bring some interest to you. Big hugs, my friend. Much blessings for 2017!
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Yes, I didn’t want to just send you a quick and easy IG thanks. These are worth a post! 😀 Thank you for sharing them with me! I love a good intrigue, so I’m on the hunt for more info about these. I wish I had all the time in the world to do stuff like this. A blessed 2017 to you and yours as well!
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I sincerely appreciate your kind words…
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Beautiful cards and very interesting post.
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Thanks, Cy! The cards are really beautiful “in person.” I’m trying to figure out how to display them.
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WOW! What treasures! Thanks for sharing the links, interesting to see an ad showing children drinking wine. LOL The cookie tin really caught my eye, I love old tins. Wonderful art! Such a thoughtful thank you, Louise is wonderful that way 🙂
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I agree. Louise is wonderful! Haha! I missed the kids drinking wine somehow. I’ll have to go back and take a look. 😉
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