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 an original hand-colored pochoir lithograph print on woven paper from about 1903. It is an original antique print and not a modern reproduction.
This caricature shows two dapper gentlemen.
The bearded man on the left smoking a cigar is Henri Delamarre of the noted and successful Delamarre Horse Racing Stables in France. His identification was penciled in by someone (by Sem?) (please see photo directly below).
The distinguished gentleman on the right who may be reading a horse race tote sheet is the Vicomte de la Redorte. His identification was penciled in by someone (by Sem?) (please see photo directly below).
Condition. There is toning, especially around the edges and at the top and bottom borders. The picture had apparently been stored with the top and bottom portions folded inside a frame--as can be seen by the difference in coloration. The edges have wear and tears and small creases, common imperfections associated with age.
All in all, however, the primary depiction of les personnage is in and of itself in good condition with no tears or folds or stains.... A great find!
