229 - PASTEURIZED MILK FROM THE VALLEY - c. 1895

PASTEURIZED MILK FROM THE VALLEY - c. 1895 Signed “Hilaire LARRAMET (1876–1924)” Very rare and significant original advertising enamel sign in a domed rectangular shape. 35 x 26 cm. “Décoration Céramique et Émaux. Suresnes, Paris” Exceptional condition— Enamel of remarkable quality, with vivid and deep colors, and a superb mirror-like sheen. A freshness and state of preservation rarely found in a plaque dating from this period. There is a very slight variation in the original color, appearing as a border in the dark-haired girl’s hair. This minor manufacturing flaw has no impact on the remarkable state of preservation of this plaque. The polychrome decoration, executed with great skill, depicts a family scene: a grandfather seated at a table surrounded by his two granddaughters, promoting the bottle of pasteurized milk. At the top, there is prominent Art Nouveau-style lettering. A personalized cartouche reads: “La Morlière - Orvault,” indicating the local distribution location. At the bottom, the commercial notation “DÉPÔT ICI.” Hilaire Larramet (1876–1924) was a French painter, engraver, and illustrator active in Paris during the Belle Époque. Recognized by his peers, he regularly exhibited his oil paintings, pastels, and watercolors at the official Salons at the Grand Palais between 1904 and 1907, exploring Hispanic and folkloric themes in particular. Alongside his easel painting, he pursued a career as a graphic artist, creating lithographed advertising posters and illustrations for sheet music that were highly sought after at the time. Milk Depot in the Morlière neighborhood of Orvault (Loire-Atlantique/Pays de la Loire).