A photographic image of a large sailboat is superimposed on a highly stylized Art Nouveau illustration of a man and woman arm and arm beneath a parasol. This unusual graphic technique reflects a style that is ahead of its time -- Pablo Picasso is credited with the invention of the collage some 17 years later. However, it is characteristic of its designer, H. S. Watson, who fashioned approximately forty posters for magazines from 1895 to 1897. The photographic image is signed on the print "Kurtz," and the poster is signed in the print lower right "H. S. Watson 95."

Henry (Hy) Sumner Watson was an illustrator based in New York, known for his outdoor sporting and hunting scenes, although he depicted city streets and well-dressed urbanites as well. He drew illustrations for Scribner's magazine in the early 1900s and also published a series of posters for Recreation magazine in 1896, which we also have in stock -- view them here.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall toning and wear. Some scattered chipping, short tears, and wear to edges, can be matted out. Light horizontal central crease, possibly where once folded.

References:

"Henry (Hy) Sumner Watson." Askart.net. http://www.askart.com/theartist.asp?id=100294 ( 25 June 2002 ).