Cleveland car Circa 1900

This elegant circa 1900 poster, created after Misti (the pseudonym of Georges Meunier), promotes the Cleveland Car—an early electric automobile—at a time when motorized transport was still a novelty and a symbol of modern sophistication.

The composition presents a refined couple seated in an open automobile, driving directly toward the viewer under a moonlit sky. The female passenger, dressed in a fashionable hat and light attire, embodies Belle Époque elegance, while the uniformed driver reinforces a sense of control and technological confidence. Above them, stylized shooting stars arc across the night sky, adding a poetic and almost magical dimension to the scene.

Misti’s characteristic style is evident in the balance between realism and decorative flair. The figures are delicately rendered, yet simplified enough to integrate seamlessly with the bold graphic elements. The headlights glow warmly, cutting through the darkness and subtly emphasizing the innovation of electric lighting—an important selling point at the time.

The typography, with its sweeping red letters spelling “Cleveland Car,” curves dynamically across the upper portion of the poster, echoing the movement of the stars. Below, the mention of “Automobiles Électriques” highlights the modernity of the product, reminding viewers that this vehicle represents the cutting edge of contemporary technology.

Printed for a Parisian audience—evidenced by the Boulevard Haussmann address—the poster reflects the excitement surrounding early automobiles in urban Europe. Electric cars, in particular, were prized for their quiet operation and ease of use, appealing to a clientele seeking comfort and refinement rather than mechanical prowess.

Today, this poster stands as a fascinating document of a transitional moment in transportation history. Combining Belle Époque elegance with technological optimism, it captures a time when the future of mobility was still being imagined—and when even the night sky seemed to celebrate the arrival of the modern automobile.

Original Poster

Automotive - United States - Transportation

Electric Automobiles

P. Vercasson Paris

Good condition