French Belle Époque Racing Caricature, Mr Charles Lafitte Chromolithograph, 1884
€ 325
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1884
Mapmaker / artist
Antoine Bisetzky, France, dated 1884
Technique
Chromolithograph (facsimile of watercolor)
Sheet size
40 × 28.5 cm (15.7 × 11.2 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14232-15
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Age-related foxing and light spotting visible primarily in margins and upper areas, consistent with nineteenth-century paper. Mild overall toning and minor handling wear commensurate with age. Colors remain fresh and attractive.
About this sheet
French Belle Époque Racing Caricature, Mr Charles Lafitte Chromolithograph, 1884
This elegant French chromolithograph caricature depicting “Mr Charles Lafitte” forms part of the satirical illustrated series Album Comique, produced in Paris during the late nineteenth century and attributed to the caricaturist Antoine Bisetzky (1817–1892). Executed as a facsimile after an original watercolor, the print exemplifies the refined humor and visual sophistication characteristic of Belle Époque satire, combining subtle wit with strong decorative appeal.
The composition presents a humorous yet dignified portrait seen from behind, showing an elegantly dressed gentleman wearing a long black coat and top hat, observing horses and riders in the distance. The unusual perspective — portraying the subject from the rear — introduces a playful narrative element, suggesting both anonymity and social observation while gently parodying the world of aristocratic sport and racing culture. This inventive compositional choice distinguishes the image within the Album Comique series and reflects the imaginative storytelling typical of late nineteenth-century French caricature.
Chromolithographic printing allows for delicate tonal gradations and nuanced color transitions designed to imitate watercolor painting, highlighted by the inscription “Fac-similé d’Aquarelle.” Dated “10 Février 1884” and marked as part of the “1ère Année” of the series, the print belongs to a group portraying prominent personalities associated with sporting, aristocratic, and cultural circles. The minimalist background combined with the strong vertical silhouette creates a visually striking composition that translates beautifully into modern interior settings.
Decoratively, the restrained palette and bold graphic silhouette make this print especially appealing for contemporary interiors, where its understated humor and clean composition provide a sophisticated focal point. It works equally well as a standalone artwork or as part of a curated gallery wall featuring Belle Époque caricatures.
Condition report: Age-related foxing and light spotting visible primarily in margins and upper areas, consistent with nineteenth-century paper. Mild overall toning and minor handling wear commensurate with age. Colors remain fresh and attractive.
Framing tips: A dark walnut or ebonized frame with a generous ivory or warm off-white mat enhances contrast and emphasizes the strong silhouette. Suggested mat width approximately 6–8 cm (2.5–3 inches). Museum glass recommended.
