Falcon. ca. 1894.

Artist: PAL (Jean de Paléologue, 1860-1942)
Size: 41 x 56 1/2 in./104 x 143.6 cm
Condition: B-/ Slight tears and stains at folds and edges.
Printer: Imp. Paul Dupont, Paris
Reference: Ref: Bicycle Posters, 25; Ailes, p. 61; DFP-II, 768; Reims, 938; Wine Spectator, 128; PAI-LXXIX, 47
Key Words: Art Nouveau; Bicycles; Artist: Pal

Falcon. ca. 1894.
"...Pal, like Lautrec and other poster artists influenced by their classical academic training, used classical symbols, such as goddesses, in their advertising. Women dominate his posters, and they tend to be much sexier than Chéret's girls" (Bicycle Posters, p. 6). Along with Bixton, Falcon was one of two brands which formed the Franco-American Bicycle Company. This is one of Pal’s finest cycling designs: the sky a tempestuous mix of burgundy, peach, and navy, while the mythical rider brandishes a pure, beaming falcon, illuminating the otherwise ominous road ahead. Interestingly, Pal often omitted the spokes of the wheel—while difficult to replicate, the exclusion also alludes to the bicycle's capacity for speed.