Historically Significant Advertisements

Rene Vincent's Early Automotive Ad Illustrations: 1907 Automobiles Berliet

René Vincent was a brilliantly talented French illustrator who influenced early 20th Century product advertising. His client list is exhaustive, but he is most recognized for the ad illustrations he rendered for automotive companies like Georges Irat, Salmson, Hispano-Suiza, Bugatti, Chenard et Walcker, Delage and Berliet. Vincent is noted for situating the automobile at the center of the human leisure experience and his scenic constructs tell stories—generally humorous. His early ads from 1905 - 1914 are noted for the way he co-mingles sentimental depictions of animals with the automobile to contrast nature and industry. Other themes include food and libation to accustom the reader to the pleasures of automobilism. Irony and bright colors heighten the contrast between the past and the modern, which is further punctuated by his artistic influences—19th century sporting art with subtle nods toward the 20th Century art nouveau.

These five rare prints are inserts into a 1906 – 1907 Automobiles Berliet product catalog.

Choose an image below.