Cycles Gladiator. ca. 1895.

Artist: ANONYMOUS
Size: 53 1/2 x 38 1/2 in./136 x 97.8 cm
Condition: A.
Printer: Imp. G. Massias, Paris
Reference: Ref: Bicycle Posters, 42; Petite Reine, 47; Posters of Paris, 104; Ailes, p. 11; Musée d’Affiche, 22; Reims, 154; PAI-LXXV, 1
Key Words: Art Nouveau; Bicycles

Cycles Gladiator. ca. 1895.
A lithographic masterpiece. Acclaimed as one of the world's greatest posters, this image of a flame-tressed sylph, propelled among the stars by the Gladiator and its winged pedals, has been appropriated throughout culture ever since its debut in 1895. Shockingly, it remains anonymous, despite the presence of the faint initials L.W. in the lower right corner.