Paray le Monial - Le Hiéron Circa P.L.M. 1910

The circa 1910 poster by French artist Hugo d'Alési, promoting Paray-le-Monial on the Chemins de Fer de Paris Lyon Méditerranée (PLM) railway line, is a beautiful example of early 20th-century travel advertising. This poster invites travelers to visit the serene and picturesque town of Paray-le-Monial, celebrated for its religious heritage and tranquil countryside, offering a retreat from the bustling urban life.

D'Alési’s poster is a vivid pastoral scene featuring a woman and child, dressed in traditional attire, sitting by a peaceful lake with the town’s iconic Romanesque basilica in the background. The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur de Paray-le-Monial, with its distinct medieval architecture, is a focal point in the composition, framed by lush greenery and reflected in the still waters, which emphasizes the town's quiet, contemplative charm.

The use of soft, earthy colors and naturalistic details is typical of d’Alési's work, which often sought to convey an idealized vision of rural France. His style combines elements of realism with a romanticized view of the French countryside, intending to appeal to city dwellers looking for a quiet, restorative escape. The layout invites the viewer into the scene, offering a glimpse of the slower, peaceful pace of life in Paray-le-Monial.

Paray-le-Monial, located in the Burgundy region, is renowned as a site of religious pilgrimage, especially significant to those devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This theme is subtly referenced through the calm, contemplative imagery, which aligns with the town’s association with spirituality and introspection. The inset image at the bottom right, showing Le Hiéron—a religious museum dedicated to the Sacred Heart and Christian artifacts—reinforces the town's cultural and religious importance.

The Chemins de Fer de Paris Lyon Méditerranée (PLM), one of France's major railway companies, commissioned posters like this to encourage travel to regional destinations. The caption at the bottom, "Billets à prix réduits" (reduced-price tickets), suggests that special fares were available, making these idyllic destinations more accessible to the French public. By highlighting destinations like Paray-le-Monial, PLM sought to foster tourism across France, connecting people with cultural and religious sites via an expanding rail network.

Hugo d'Alési was known for his detailed and atmospheric posters that captured the allure of travel and tourism during the Belle Époque period. A pioneer of French travel posters, d'Alési specialized in landscape scenes that appealed to a romanticized view of the French countryside. His posters often evoke a sense of discovery and tranquility, capturing the cultural essence of each location. D’Alési’s skillful use of color and composition created images that were both inviting and informative, helping to shape public perceptions of these destinations as desirable, accessible places.

Today, d'Alési's posters are highly collectible, valued both as works of art and as historical artifacts from the early days of tourism advertising. His works capture the spirit of the Belle Époque, an era when rail travel became a gateway to new experiences, fostering a sense of national identity by connecting urban and rural France. This Paray-le-Monial poster is a particularly evocative example, embodying the peaceful allure of provincial France while subtly promoting the convenience and modernity of rail travel.

Original Poster

Railway - Tourism - Saone et Loire - Burgundy

Le Hiéron

Paris

Good condition, traces of folds, light restorations