"Au Pesage de Longchamp"
(Original Pochoir Hand-Colored Lithograph Print)
by
Sem (Georges Goursat, 1863-1934)

Circa 1902

Approximate Dimensions (unframed):
  20.25 in x 14 in
(51.44 cm x 35.56 cm)

This is a very nice antiquarian (circa 1900) caricature done by Georges Goursat, a popular caricaturist of France's "Belle Epoque" period who was known as "Sem" and whose drawings typically featured the social elite, actors, singers, politicians, and the like who frequented Maxim's, Longchamp Downs, etc.  He published many of his drawings in various French newspapers and magazines (see a photo of SEM directly below).

Georges Goursat (Sem), 1914

The caricature is a signed original hand-colored pochoir lithograph print on woven paper from about 1902. It is an original antique print and not a modern reproduction.

This caricature shows two dapper gentlemen.

The man on the left is the Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of Russia.  His identification was penciled in by someone (by Sem?) above his hat (please see photo directly below).

The man on the right is Le Duc de Morny.  His identification was penciled in by someone (by Sem?) above his hat (please see photo directly below).

This caricature picture was published in the French newspaper "Le Figaro" June 14, 1902.  The newspaper version of the picture (shown directly below) has the title "Au Pesage de Longchamp," which roughly translates to "At the weigh-in from Longchamp."  This is an obvious reference to the popular French horse race track Longchamp which was frequented by dignitaries and the social elite.

{from French newspaper "Le Figaro" June 14, 1902}

There is some French penciled in by someone (Sem?) on the back of the paper (please see photo directly below).  Any help in the translation would be much appreciated.

{on back side of picture}

Condition.  There is toning, especially around the edges and at the top and bottom borders.  The picture had apparently been stored or framed with the bottom portion (up to the shoes of the gentlemen) folded--as can be seen by the difference in coloration.  The edges have wear and tears and small creases, common imperfections associated age.

All in all, however, the primary depiction itself of the Grand Duke and Le Duc is itself in good condition with no tears or folds or stains.

{Grand Duke Vladimir and Le Duc Mornay}

{Sold by DesertGold, 2016, $30.00.}