Jeu de Cartes Estétique Nº1

Designed by Henri Meunier (1873-1922)

Henri Meunier was a Belgian Art Nouveau lithographer, etcher, illustrator, bookbinder and poster designer of the Belle Époque. He grew up in an artistic family and was the son of the engraver/etcher Jean Baptiste Meunier and nephew of the famous sculptor Constantin Meunier. His first introduction to art was in his father's workshop; then he completed his art studies at the Academy d'Ixelles. Meunier used flat colours and thick outlines, borrowed from Japanese prints. He was awarded a gold medal at the 1893 Limoges Exhibition. These poetic ‘Art Nouveau’ or ‘Jugendstil’ playing cards were designed by Henri Meunier in c.1900. The designs are very curvaceous and sensual. The backs of the cards show an advertisement for a Champagne producer.

Above: Jeu de Cartes Estétique Nº1, designed by Henri Meunier & published by Ernotte Michaux, Bruxelles, Belgium. Printed by colour lithography; 32 cards; 56mm x 87mm. The yellow box is shown at top right. Images courtesy Barney Townshend.