E. Thelem (Ernest Barthélemy Lem, 1869-1930) Cycles... Lot 36

E. Thelem (Ernest Barthélemy Lem, 1869-1930) Cycles Peugeot : Maquette and Poster. SIZE: Poster: 22 5/8 x 32 in./57.5 x 81.2 cm Maquette: 12 x 16 1/4 in./30.5 x 41.2 cm PRINTER: Imp. G. Elleaume, Paris DESCRIPTION: Presented as one lot, Thelem's preparatory maquette and finalized poster offer an insightful view into the artist's process for one of his most acclaimed works. This sporty gentleman "assumes a calculatedly casual posture against his new Peugeot motorbike to observe a woman’s lawn tennis game, and one of the players approaches for a closer look. One must admire the women for playing in their confining clothes. Ironically, the Peugeot family made its fortune manufacturing corsets before it turned to cycles in 1885” (Gold, p. 54). (2) (Art Nouveau; Bicycles; Motorcycles; Sports)