National Arms Factory
1898
Émile Berchmans created this vibrant 1898 poster, a classic example of Art Nouveau advertising featuring a serene, winged woman perched atop a bicycle frame. She holds a palm frond and a large medallion for the 'Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre,' a Belgian weapons manufacturer that surprisingly diversified into making bicycles. The bold typography and flowing lines advertise both 'chain' and 'chainless' cycles, showcasing how even heavy industry embraced the elegant, decorative style of the Belle Époque to sell their latest inventions. It's a fascinating glimpse into a time when gun makers decided to pedal into the future!
- Technique
- Lithograph