Santos-Dumont on his Monoplane La Demoisells, built by Clément-Bayard

Accession number:
1909.02

Maker:
Gamy
(probably Marguerite Montaut); Published by Mabileau et Cie, Paris

Historical period:
1909

Type:

Dimensions:
H x W: 16 in. / 34 in.

Acquisition date:
N/A

Credit line:
The Army and Navy Club Library Trust Fund

Location:
,

Provenance:
N/A

Label:

This print is something of a celebrity portrait of early aviation pioneers. Alberto Santos-Dumont was a Brazilian aviation pioneer, believed throughout South America to have preceded the Wright brothers in demonstrating a practical airplane. He is portrayed both in the bottom left-hand corner portrait and as the pilot of the monoplane. Clément-Bayard, credited with building the monoplane depicted here, was a major manufacturer of automobiles, airplanes, and airship at the turn of the century.

This original turn-of-the-century French aviation poster, signed “Gamy,” was most likely created by Margeurite Montaut, wife of the celebrated French poster artist Ernest Montaut (1878-1909). Prints continued to be produced after Montaut’s early death in 1909, and it is believed that those signed 'Gamy' were created by Montaut's wife, Marguerite, 'Gamy' being an anagram of her nickname, Magy.