JULES ABEL FAIVRE (1867-1945) SPORTS D'HIVER CHAMONIX. 1905. 41 1/2x29 1/2 inches. J. Barreau, Paris. Condition B+: repaired tears, overpainting, restored losses and creases in margins and image. Abel Faivre had a long and successful career as an illustrator and caricaturist. This is by far the most famous of the few posters he designed. The exquisitely rendered image does justice to the early ski equipment (when skiers used just one pole for balance and turning), while posing a host of questions regarding the garb of early skiers. As an historical document, the image transcends poster art and has lodged itself into the international consciousness as one of the earliest, and finest, European ski posters. Chamonix was one of the first, and the most popular ski resorts in Europe, and was host to the first Olympic Winter Games in 1924. Hillion p. 197, Voyage p. 72, Maitres 1900 p. 76, Gold 133.
