HAMNER (HERMAN RICHIR, 1866-1942) DELHAIZE FRÈRES & CIE. / AU BON MARCHÉ. 1896. 42 1/2x31 1/2 inches, 108x80 cm. Goffart, Brussels. Condition B+: creases, abrasions and minor foxing in margins and image; minor restoration at edges and along vertical and horizontal folds. The Delhaize Brothers began selling Colonial goods, wines and liqueur in 1867. Soon they began manufacturing and selling their own canned foods, and by the turn of the century they had over five hundred branches throughout Belgium. Herman Richir was an academic painter who was surprisingly able to adapt his style for poster designs. Here he shows a bourgeois woman and her maid in a sumptuously decorated room, preparing their order from Delhaize's catalogue. With fine, delicate drawing and soft tones, this image targets the well-to-do clients who were integral to the initial success of the business. Belgian Poster 43, Made in Belgium p. 20.
