A. Bichot & Cie, Vins de bourgogne et de Bordeaux Circa 1900

Around 1900, a beautifully crafted poster was designed by the renowned French illustrator Chéri Hérouard, promoting A. Bichot & Cie, a respected wine house in Beaune, Burgundy. Titled Vins de Bourgogne et de Bordeaux, the poster embodies the artistic and commercial spirit of the Belle Époque, capturing both the elegance of wine culture and the artisanal craftsmanship of French poster art during this vibrant period.

The image is a lively and colorful depiction, filled with charm and historical references. At the heart of the poster, an older man dressed in traditional medieval garb sits comfortably on a wooden chair, enjoying a glass of wine poured by a playful court jester. The jester, adorned in vibrant reds and greens, contrasts sharply with the older man’s more somber and scholarly appearance. This contrast suggests a blend of wit and wisdom, reflecting the dynamic character of French wine and the cultural tradition of savoring both pleasure and knowledge.

The design is not only visually engaging but also rich in symbolic elements. Scattered books and scrolls at the older man’s feet hint at knowledge and history, invoking the deep tradition of winemaking in Burgundy and Bordeaux. The careful balance between the whimsical jester and the contemplative elder evokes both pleasure and reverence, mirroring the way fine wine was (and still is) celebrated and respected in French culture. The grapevine motif framing the scene enhances the connection to wine, grounding the image in its subject matter.

Hérouard’s skill in illustration is evident in the intricate details of the figures and objects. From the curling vine leaves to the worn pages of the books, every element has been carefully rendered. The color palette, dominated by earthy tones with splashes of vibrant reds and greens, conveys the warmth and richness of the wine-producing regions of Bourgogne and Bordeaux, further reinforcing the poster's celebratory tone.

To the right of the image, the elegant typography reads A. Bichot & Cie, proudly announcing that the wine house was founded in 1831 in Beaune, one of the centers of Burgundy’s prestigious wine industry. The mention of Grands Vins des Hospices de Beaune further emphasizes the poster’s focus on promoting the finest wines from this historic region. The combination of stylized fonts and classic imagery positions A. Bichot as a trusted name in the wine world, blending tradition with sophistication.

Chéri Hérouard, the artist behind this work, was one of France’s most accomplished illustrators of the early 20th century. He is best known for his long career as an illustrator for La Vie Parisienne, a popular French magazine that featured sophisticated and often provocative illustrations. Hérouard’s versatility as an artist allowed him to move seamlessly between erotic art, magazine illustration, and more commercial commissions like this one. His ability to imbue his work with both elegance and a touch of humor made him a beloved figure in the art world of his time.

Born in 1881 as Chéri-Louis-Marie-Aime Haumé, Hérouard took on his mother’s maiden name after the death of his father. He began his artistic career in the early 1900s, quickly gaining recognition for his distinctive style. Though most of his work was published in magazines, Hérouard also created posters, advertisements, and book illustrations. His work often combined lush, decorative elements with finely detailed figures, making him a perfect fit for projects that required both artistry and commercial appeal, such as this A. Bichot & Cie poster.

The Vins de Bourgogne et de Bordeaux poster is not only a work of art but also an important example of how posters were used as a primary medium for advertising during the Belle Époque. In a time when visual communication was becoming increasingly central to urban life, posters like this one played a significant role in promoting brand identity and reaching a broad audience. The artistic quality of such posters elevated them beyond mere advertisements, making them highly collectible pieces of art in their own right.

This poster stands as a lasting testament to the vibrant artistic culture of the early 20th century, as well as the importance of the wine trade in France. The rich visual language of the piece captures the prestige associated with Burgundy and Bordeaux wines while celebrating the playful enjoyment that wine brings to life. Today, original posters like this one are highly prized by collectors, appreciated both for their beauty and their historical significance.

In summary, the Vins de Bourgogne et de Bordeaux poster by Chéri Hérouard for A. Bichot & Cie perfectly encapsulates the elegance, history, and joy of French wine culture at the turn of the century. As an artifact of both fine art and commercial design, it continues to inspire admiration for its intricate detail, historical importance, and the timeless pleasure of wine. Hérouard's contribution to French visual culture, with this poster as a shining example, remains celebrated for its ability to merge artistic flair with commercial purpose.

Original poster

Wine - Burgundy - Bordeaux

Grand Vins des Hospices de Beaune

Good condition, a small tear