A luminous celebration of Alsatian charm, this stunning circa 1920 lithographic travel poster invites viewers to discover the idyllic spa town of Niederbronn-les-Bains, nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern France. Created by French painter Lucien Blumer, this work was commissioned by the Chemins de fer d’Alsace et de Lorraine, the regional railway that connected travelers to the cultural and natural riches of the Rhine borderlands.
The composition is masterfully framed by towering pine trees in the foreground, drawing the eye down into a meticulously rendered view of the village. Red-tile rooftops, the Romanesque spires of churches, and leafy streets form a perfect patchwork of traditional Alsatian architecture. The use of warm tones—rustic reds, golds, and leafy greens—imbues the scene with both nostalgia and serenity.
Set against the forested Vosges foothills, this image captures the essence of Niederbronn as both a restorative destination and a hidden gem—an elegant retreat known for its thermal waters since Roman times. At the bottom corners, the symbols of the region’s healing heritage and craft tradition—an anvil and water jug—subtly reinforce the spa town’s dual identity as both industrious and rejuvenating.
Blumer, a native of Alsace, brings a painter’s eye to the lithograph, capturing depth and texture with remarkable detail. His background as both a post-Impressionist and a regionalist artist makes this piece not just promotional but deeply personal—a love letter to the landscape and lifestyle of his homeland.
Today, original French railway posters like this are highly sought after by collectors for their vibrant graphic style, regional pride, and evocative depictions of early 20th-century travel. This particular poster is rare, and an outstanding example of tourism promotion during the interwar years, when railroads were the lifeline of European leisure.
A timeless treasure for lovers of vintage travel ephemera, Alsatian culture, or early French poster art.
Railway - Tourism - Bas-Rhin - France
Printed by Alsatian in Strasbourg
Good condition, traces of folds, restorations
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