41 1/4x26 1/2 inches, 104 3/4x67 1/4 cm. F. Champenois, Paris. Condition B+: overpainting along top edge; repaired tear at top, into text; ink stamp in upper image.
A scarce and unusual travel poster featuring a gloomy and spectral Big Ben in the background and the glorious landscape of the French countryside prominent in the center. Printed in English, the poster was specifically aimed at the British market. The poster was designed by Dorival in 1911 (the date appears under his signature as it does in many of his designs) and was originally used by the Chemins de Fer d'Orleans to promote travel to Auvergne. That earlier version did not depict Big Ben, nor did it have the timetable and route map at the bottom. The poster's scarcity is likely due to the fact that it was released in the days prior to the outbreak of World War I. The schedule at the bottom of the poster advertises the timetable from "from the 1st of May." On June 28th, 1914, Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated, and on July 28th, war was declared.
