About the Artist
Henri Privat-Livemont was a Belgian painter and poster designer celebrated for shaping the language of Art Nouveau in late nineteenth century Paris and Brussels. Working at the height of the lithographic poster boom, he created images that blended modern advertising with the elegance of fine art printmaking.
His posters are known for confident silhouettes, decorative typography, and a poised sensuality that feels refined rather than provocative. For collectors of vintage advertising posters and classic French wall art, his work remains a defining touchstone of the era.
The Artwork
Casino De Cabourg captures the spirit of Normandy's Belle Epoque seaside culture, when coastal resorts became fashionable destinations for leisure and recreation. The casino symbolized modern entertainment, drawing visitors with music, social gatherings, and the allure of the sea. Privat-Livemont's poster was created to promote this vibrant atmosphere, reflecting a time when travel posters played a key role in shaping the identity of towns like Cabourg and attracting visitors arriving by train.
This artwork stands as a testament to the era's optimism and the growing popularity of seaside escapes, blending the excitement of travel with the sophistication of Art Nouveau design.
Style & Characteristics
The composition features a striking red haired swimmer gliding through stylized blue and green waves, rendered with the flowing lines and organic forms characteristic of Art Nouveau. Broad, flat areas of color and crisp outlines ensure the image is instantly eye-catching, while the integrated lettering enhances the overall harmony of the design.
Cool blues and greens dominate the sea, accented by warm orange and yellow tones that highlight the swimmer and evoke sunlight. The mood is lively and refreshing, making this vintage poster a standout example of early twentieth-century graphic art.
In Interior Design
This Art Nouveau poster brings a sense of movement and light to interiors, making it ideal for living rooms, hallways, bathrooms, or creative workspaces. It pairs beautifully with coastal and eclectic decor, and can soften modern spaces with its graceful curves and vibrant palette.
Consider building a color scheme around sea blue, sage green, and honey yellow, and complementing the artwork with brass or light oak accents. It works well alongside other sea and ocean prints or within an Art Nouveau grouping, such as selections from Alphonse Mucha posters, especially in a slim, classic frame.
