The Gracious Queen Circa 1900

Created circa 1900 as the first sheet in Le Musée de Sires, this original poster printed in color lithography presents Queen Victoria near the conclusion of her long reign. The English caption, “The Gracious Queen,” is used with the series’ characteristic irony.

Victoria is shown seated in an elaborate chair, dressed entirely in black and wearing a small crown. Her monumental form dominates the orange background, while a severe attendant stands discreetly to one side. The sparse setting gives the portrait an almost emblematic force.

At the turn of the century, Queen Victoria represented both the continuity of monarchy and the extraordinary extent of the British Empire. Roubille turns this established public image into a bold silhouette, balancing recognizable portraiture with playful exaggeration.

Auguste Roubille was a painter, decorator, illustrator and important contributor to the Parisian humorous press. His early work reveals both the influence of Art Nouveau and a distinctly modern understanding of flat color and simplified design.

As the opening number of this celebrated political-caricature series, the poster holds particular interest for collectors of British royal history, Belle Époque illustration and early modern graphic art.

Poster Original

Caricature - Press - United Kingdom

The museum of Sires - Guelerie Contemporaine Number 1

E. L. June Paris

Good condition, folds, small tears