Discover a curated collection of vintage bicycle posters and adverts. These are perfect wall art for cycling enthusiasts and collectors.
We’ve got a fantastic collection of free vintage cycle prints and illustrations, these pieces are more than just old adverts; they capture the spirit and elegance of a bygone era. They are all in the Public Domain and free to use how you wish.
Why Choose Vintage Bicycle Posters?
Vintage bicycle posters aren’t just decorations; they tell a story of a life-long passion for cycling. These posters, especially the ones in the beautiful Art Nouveau style, are vibrant and dynamic, making them ideal for any room. They showcase the golden age of bicycles, celebrating both the artistry and innovation of the time.
Our collection features some of the best vintage bicycle posters. From elegant ladies and gentlemen riding their bikes to detailed illustrations of the bikes themselves, these adverts were created by renowned bicycle manufacturers to showcase their latest models. They’re colourful, eye-catching, and full of charm.
Art Nouveau Style
Many of our posters are in the Art Nouveau style, known for its ornate and flowing designs. These posters are perfect for adding a bit of vintage charm and elegance to your home. They complement our site’s many other Art Nouveau prints, including Alphonso Mucha’s adverts.
How to Download the Vintage Posters
To download the cycling art masterpiece of your choice, click on the title above the image. A higher-resolution illustration will open in a new tab. You can then print or save that image.
Whether you’re a dedicated cyclist or just love vintage art, our collection has something for you. These vintage bicycle posters are more than wall art, they celebrate the joy and freedom cycling brings.
Art Nouveau Bicycle Posters Posters 1-8
Cycling Poster 1: Family Cycling by Philippe Chapellier
Philippe Chapellier was a French artist active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his vibrant advertising posters, particularly those related to bicycles and automobiles. His works are celebrated for their dynamic compositions and vivid Art Nouveau style.
Cycle Poster 2: Viets & Van Leeuwen
A poster designed by Pieter van Looij (Netherlands) around 1900 showcases a caricature of an old man being held on a bicycle by two younger women, with various onlookers in the background. This poster reflects the playful and engaging advertising style of the time.
Poster 3: Comlubia Penny Farthing Bicycle Advertisement
The Penny Farthing, with its giant front wheel and tiny rear wheel, became a symbol of Victorian innovation and adventure in the 1870s and 1880s. This unique design allowed for impressive speed, as the large front wheel covered more ground with each pedal stroke. However, the high centre of gravity made riding quite precarious, requiring skill and bravery to mount and dismount.
Despite its challenges, the Penny Farthing was a significant milestone in bicycle evolution, paving the way for safer and more practical designs. Its bold silhouette remains an enduring icon of early cycling history.
Poster 4: Cicli Empress- Italian Bicycle
Giuseppe Boano (1872-1938) was an Italian artist from Turin known as a painter, engraver, and poster artist. Active during the Art Nouveau period, he created vibrant advertising posters for various brands, including “Cycles Continental” and “Cicli Empress.”
Déesse bicycles were produced by the Rudge Cycle Company, which introduced the brand to the French market. These bicycles gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name “Déesse,” meaning “goddess” in French, reflects the elegant and high-quality design associated with the brand.
Poster 6: Clement Bicycle’s Paris
Like the previous one, this poster was designed by Jean de Paleologue.
Jean de Paleologue, also known as PAL, was a Romanian-born artist renowned for his Art Nouveau posters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Bucharest in 1855, he worked extensively in Paris, creating iconic advertising art for bicycles, cabarets, and various products.
His vibrant and elegant designs often featured flowing lines and mythical themes, contributing significantly to the visual culture of the Belle Époque era.
In 1882, Peugeot launched its first bicycle, heralding the start of a significant era in its history. By the early 20th century, Peugeot had established itself as a prominent name in the cycling world, sponsoring racers and securing numerous victories in prestigious events such as the Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix.
On the road to happiness! The Cyclette.
This and the previous poster were by the French caricaturist and poster artist Jean-Marie-Michel Liébaux.
Art Nouveau Cycle Ads 9-16
Poster 9: Frederick Adjustable Handle Bars
Poster 10: Decauville Brand Bicycles
Advert for Decauville cycles.
French poster for Peugeot Cycles by Vulliemin, Ernest (1862-1900).
Ad Poster 12: Winter Velodrome
A poster for the Winter Velodrome at the Palace of Liberal Arts, sponsored by Dunlop tyres.
Poster 13: Paris Exhibition Poster
This vintage poster, created by French artist Raymond Tournon (1870-1919), was designed for the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where it won a silver medal. The poster promotes “Pièces détachées et Cycles Brillant,” showcasing bicycle parts and cycles.
Here, you’ll find some wonderful old maps of Paris.
Edmond Jacquelin (1875-1928) was a prominent French track cyclist renowned for his sprinting prowess at the turn of the 20th century. Born in Santenay, Jacquelin emerged as a leading figure in cycling, winning multiple prestigious titles.
He became the World Sprint Champion in 1900 and secured French sprint championship titles in 1896, 1900, and 1902. Additionally, he won the Grand Prix de Paris in 1900.
Poster 15: The Ring Of Achilles
Poster 16: Ulitmate Cyclist Poster
If you like this poster, then out the amazing collection of free vintage circus posters.
Other Vintage Cycle Advertisements
Poster 17: Touring Club Magazine Cover
The Touring Club Italiano (TCI), founded in 1894 as the Touring Club Ciclistico Italiano, began as a bicyclist organization led by Luigi Vittorio Bertarelli. By 1899, it had 16,000 members and expanded to promote all forms of tourism, including auto tourism.
Cycle Print 20: The Bicycle Race
1895 Lithograph from the Library of Congress
Cycle Advert 21: Dandy & Hustler
Cycling Ad 23: Bicyclettes Hirondelle
“The Bicyclettes Hirondelle have all their parts rigorously interchangeable and manufactured with the highest precision by the Manufacture Française d’armes of Saint-Etienne.“
Poster 24: Tour De France Winner
For the first time the winner of the Tour de France wins the world championship. Georges Speicher, world champion on Alcyon, Dunlop tires
Poster 26: Portier & Mericant Brothers
Conclusion and Other Related Posts
In conclusion, the collection of vintage bicycle posters and adverts offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and innovation of early cycling history. These beautifully designed posters not only served as effective marketing tools but also captured the spirit and elegance of the era.
From the intricate Art Nouveau designs to the vibrant promotional art, each piece tells a unique story of the golden age of bicycles. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, an art lover, or a history buff, these vintage posters provide a timeless appeal that continues to inspire and captivate.
If you are looking for more Art Nouveau style images then check out these Christmas Art Nouveau illustrations and these Art Nouveau postcards.
For more transportation related posts, check out this collection of hot air balloon art and these vintage air line posters. You may also like these vintage Japanese travel posters.
For more old adverts check out this collection of vintage art supplies.
And another fascinating post to check out is this one on classic American design.
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