Calendrier Au bon Marché Signes du Zodiaque 1886

This exceptional 1886 calendar, created by the celebrated Art Nouveau master Eugène Grasset for the renowned Parisian department store Au Bon Marché, is a sublime blend of commercial art and symbolic illustration. Titled Signes du Zodiaque, the calendar features thirteen original lithographs: one for each month of the year and a decorative cover plate, each richly infused with astrological and seasonal symbolism.

Each monthly illustration depicts a woman embodying the zodiac sign associated with that period, surrounded by ornamental motifs and stylized natural elements. Grasset’s elegant lines, harmonious color palettes, and intricate detailing reflect his deep influence on fin-de-siècle visual culture, as well as his role in shaping the visual language of Art Nouveau.

Originally distributed by Au Bon Marché as a luxury promotional item, the calendar was both a marketing innovation and a work of fine art, elevating everyday objects into collectible treasures. Its zodiacal theme connects celestial mythology with everyday life, capturing the period’s fascination with mysticism, nature, and feminine allegory.

Complete sets of Signes du Zodiaque are exceedingly rare, especially with the original cover page intact. Today, the calendar stands as a cornerstone of Grasset’s graphic oeuvre, sought after by collectors of 19th-century illustration, Art Nouveau design, and astrological iconography.

Department Stores - Advertising - Astrology - France

13 sheets corresponding to each month + cover

Printed by A. Lahure in Paris

Good condition, slight dirt