Description
Discover Victorian showmanship with this authentic c.1900 John’s Fairy Fountains and Living Statuary vintage poster, one of the most charming original vintage posters from the turn-of-the-century French music-hall era. Produced circa 1885-1900 and printed by Imp. Emile Levy, Paris, this original stone lithograph advertised a music-hall aquatic entertainment where living performers posed as statuary amid ingenious fairy fountains. Such ephemeral French posters were printed in small runs for street hoardings and rarely survive, making them prized antique posters today.
The composition is pure delight. Three graceful nymphs in flesh-toned bodysuits hold aloft a massive bronze fountain bowl crowned with grotesque fish masks spraying plumes of water in soft pinks, mint greens and lemon yellows. Arched jets rise high beneath bold lettering spelling JOHN’S FAIRY FOUNTAINS, while two smaller living statues recline on mossy grottos below. The subdued palette and delicate gradations showcase fine French stone lithography at its most playful, with Imp. Emile Levy craftsmanship evident in every tone.
Offered among our authenticated vintage posters for sale, this 15.5 x 24.25 inch example is in very good original condition with fresh, subdued color true to the first printing. It has been archivally linen-backed with acid-free conservation mounting for stability and display, ready for framing. As a certified vintage poster, it includes a Certificate of Authenticity for confident collecting.
Perfect for circus, vaudeville, and Belle Époque enthusiasts, bars, theatres, or eclectic gallery walls, this rare aquatic-nymph poster delivers historic whimsy and decorative romance. For collectors seeking authentic vintage posters with music-hall magic, this is an exceptional opportunity to own and display proudly today.
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