Henri Boulanger (French, 1858-1924), Pétrole Stella

Lithographic poster in colors, 1897, printed by Courmont Frères, Paris, matted and framed.

Image size 49 x 37 1/4 in.; Frame dimensions 58 x 46 1/2 in.

Private Collection, Richmond, Virginia

In this luminous 1897 advertisement for Pétrole Stella, Henri Boulanger casts a trio of celestial figures as ethereal muses, gracefully bearing lamps lit by the product’s radiant flame. Floating in a starlit sky, they evoke a dreamlike serenity that transforms a utilitarian fuel into a symbol of divine illumination.

Condition A-/B+: Overall very good visible condition; some creases, few repairs, and some small tears; several spots and light toning; not examined out of frame.