Cycles Ocean, Early Original Track Racing Poster, c. 1905-1915

This colorful Cycles Océan poster offers a wonderfully early depiction of track racing during cycling’s formative years. Beneath the enormous red-and-white Cycles Océan banner, a rider in a brilliant red jersey and white racing shorts charges past the foreground on his streamlined racing bicycle, while motor-paced riders circle the outdoor velodrome behind him. The packed grandstand and railings capture the sport’s rapidly growing popularity, while the infield is alive with delightful period details: formally dressed gentlemen in top hats study their race papers, and a race official wearing a red blazer, knickerbockers, patterned stockings and cap stands ready with a bell and white flag. Rendered in saturated red, green and blue with strong black outlines, the artwork conveys the color, speed and spectacle of an early day at the track.

This poster has been professionally archivally linen-backed.

Virtually all original vintage posters of this era were viewed as temporary advertising and were printed on very thin paper. While expensive, linen backing is a conservation method used to mount, stabilize, preserve, and protect vintage posters, allowing them to be displayed or framed without compromising their value.