We are actively exploring the use of the Belle Époque heritage and the artistic movements of that era—Art Nouveau and Art Deco—in contemporary interiors. In creating new pieces, we have in some ways surpassed the old masters, adapting decorative elements to modern realities—door trim, cabinets, fireplaces, tables, screens, chairs, lamps, beds, curtain rods, tapestries, and table clocks. It is no surprise that discerning connoisseurs of Art Nouveau and Art Deco turn to us. Equally anticipated was the meeting with the heirs of the Belle Époque. No matter how much Russia is criticized as a country and a political power, it is equally revered for its fertility as a land, a homeland of talents—Popov, Sikorsky, Green (Google), Tyrtov, Tchaikovsky, Bryusov, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff—wherever you look, wherever there is Beauty and Progress, Russians are at the foundation. In our case, one of our grateful clients granted us access to the contents of a trunk belonging to a Russian émigré. The clients did not understand or appreciate the value of what they had found. A simple transaction—as usual, the heirs wanted a pittance, while we wanted to preserve the Heritage. An exchange took place.
The items found in the trunk consist of a collection of sheet music featuring themes that were popular between 1900 and 1920. The musical aspect is certainly interesting in its own right. But the decorative and practical uses of these finds are no less intriguing. When surveying the market for what is now considered a wall poster, the words “melancholy and despondency” come to mind. When elements of wall decor in the form of posters flash by in good films from the 1930s to the 1970s, the eye instantly singles them out—with an envious glance. And our discovery solves the problem—it breaks through the monotony of generic, cookie-cutter wall posters, the kind you’d find at a neighbor’s, a friend’s, or a colleague’s place.
The presented collection of posters consists of high-quality scanned copies of genuine antique originals. We have made it a point not to process them with any AI tools. Our digital copies preserve the spirit and flavor of the era—both as a time in History (with a capital H) and as a distance from those events. Fold marks, archive stamps, handwritten notes, and autographs—everything is preserved, and everything has its own charm. The resolution is approximately 18 megapixels—sufficient for extremely high-quality printing of an A3-sized poster. Please note, however, that the original format is close to A4.
Each lot consists of the title page of a separate publication. We also own the antique original, and those wishing to purchase it should visit our website.