Dating from around 1950, this original French advertising poster promotes Imagerie Merveilleuse de l’Enfance, a collection of illustrated fairy-tale albums published by Éditions Tallandier. Designed as an indoor point-of-sale poster, it would have been displayed in a bookshop to announce that the albums were available for purchase.
A lively procession of fairies, witches, enchanted animals and courtly characters surrounds the title Les Plus Beaux Contes de Fées. The figures appear to tumble through the composition, creating a theatrical sense of movement that evokes the transformations and adventures of traditional fairy tales.
The decorative lettering, golden-yellow banner and vivid accents of blue, red and green reflect the appealing visual language of mid-century children’s publishing. The prominently displayed range of prices also emphasizes the affordable and popular nature of these illustrated albums.
The collection brought together stories by Charles Perrault and Madame d’Aulnoy, two foundational authors of the French literary fairy tale. Perrault gave lasting form to stories including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Puss in Boots, while Madame d’Aulnoy played an essential role in establishing and popularizing the conte de fées tradition.
With its charming illustrations, strong typography and connection to classic children’s literature, this original poster is a delightful example of French publishing history. Its point-of-sale purpose also makes it an unusual and attractive piece for collectors of fairy-tale imagery, vintage book advertising and twentieth-century children’s illustration.
Original Poster
Literature - Tale - Childhood
Color albums of Charles Perrault and Madame d'Aulnoy
Tallandier
Crémieu Paris
Good condition, traces of folds
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