The Elegant World of Georges Gaudy: Posters From the Belle Époque

Georges Gaudy (1872–1940) was a Belgian painter, illustrator, and poster artist active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his work in the Art Nouveau style, particularly his richly colored and dynamic posters promoting bicycles, automobiles, and various commercial products during the golden age of advertising in Europe.

Originally trained as an architect, Gaudy later turned to graphic design and painting, becoming one of the prominent figures in Belgium’s vibrant poster art scene. His work often featured flowing lines, strong typography, and a keen sense of movement—elements that made his posters both eye-catching and memorable.

Many of his designs celebrated the energy and speed of modern life, especially in his iconic advertisements for bicycle and motor vehicle brands. Take a look at this collection of vintage posters illustrated by Georges Gaudy between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ligue Vélocipédique Belge, 1896

Ville de Spa, Concours d'automobiles, Automobile Club de Belgique, 1896

Automobile Club de Belgique, Course Bruxelles-Spa, 1898

Cycles et Automobiles Legia, 1898

Cycles Georges Richard, Le Tr`fle à Quatre Feuilles, circa 1898

Dalila, circa 1898

Usines Delin, Cycles, Automobiles, Moteurs, Louvain, Belgique, 1898

BSA, The Birmingham Small Arms Co. Ltd, circa 1900

Cycles Wagner, Arlon, Belgique, circa 1900

La Motocyclette Antoine, La Meilleure, circa 1900

Pipe Automobiles, Bruxelles, circa 1900

Societe Nationale des Aquarellistes et Pastellistes, 1900

Touring Club de Belgique, circa 1900

Féderation des Cercles Coloniaux de Belgique, 1905

Circuit International, Criterium de Régularité Touriste, 1906

Exposition de Chiens, 1910

Pneus Dunlop, circa 1910s

Vélos "Bury" Les plus rapides, circa 1910s