Beggarstaff "Don Quixote" 1897
A quiet play of shadow and light: the lone knight who revolutionized poster art
This work, "Don Quixote," is a lithograph from 1897 by the legendary British design unit "The Beggarstaffs," and is included as image 63 in "The Masters of the Poster."
The painting depicts a quiet moment when the protagonist of Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote" is riding a horse in front of a windmill. The bold cutting of the background and the placement of shadows convey the tension of the story, even though the scenery is omitted.
As the word "LYCEUM" indicates, this work was created as a poster for a stage performance at the Lyceum Theatre in London. The Beggarstaff duo, William Nicholson and James Pryde, drew a line at the time from the decorative styles of the time and brought a new aesthetic to the poster medium with their graphical expression, which is composed only of contour lines and shading.
This is a masterpiece that combines minimalism and storytelling and has continued to be popular through the ages.
Information
Artist: The Beggarstaffs
William Nicholson (1872–1949)
James Pryde (1866–1941)
Title: Don Quixote
Production year: 1897 Technique: Lithograph "Masters of Posters" No. 63 work Blind stamp included Size: Approximately 40.0 x 29.0 cm
Condition: Good (very slight discoloration to margins)
Artist / Title: The Beggarstaffs (William Nicholson & James Pryde) / Don Quixote (Lithograph from Les Maîtres de l'Affiche, Plate 63, 1897)
*The frame in the image is for reference only. Please contact us regarding framing.
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If you would like to know more about the works, please visit Ribo Antiques' special page (separate site).
Framing options
This work is normally offered unframed, but upon request, we are happy to offer custom framing options at our gallery.
The content is focused on UV-blocking acrylic and artistic harmony. For details and prices, please click here.
▶ [Framing plan information (PDF)]
When ordering, please write "I would like it framed" or feel free to contact us.
Framing options
This work is usually provided unframed so that you can enjoy the original charm of the work as it is, taking into consideration the preservation of the paper and its use as a collection.
If desired, we offer a custom framing plan (additional charge) in which we will select and suggest a frame for you. We can frame your work with consideration for artistic balance, the color of the work, and harmony with your interior decor.
- Various frames available, including wooden frames and gold leaf decorated frames
- Uses UV-blocking acrylic (emphasis on preservation)
- Proposals based on your desired size and installation environment
When ordering, please indicate "framed" or contact us separately. We will help you find the perfect framing to bring out the best in your artwork.
The content is focused on UV-blocking acrylic and artistic harmony. For details and prices, please click here.
▶ [Framing Plan Information (PDF)]
About the condition
This work is an original antique print created over 100 years ago.
All works sold by Rivoli Antiques are genuine pieces of artistic value printed at the time, and are not later reproductions or copies.
Due to their nature, antique prints rarely come with individual certificates of authenticity like contemporary works.
Therefore, where you buy and who is in charge of selecting the works are of utmost importance.
At Rivoli Antiques, we carefully select our items based on the trust we have built through many years of collaboration with museums and experts.
We only introduce works that you can safely add to your collection.
Natural fading and stains may appear over time, but these are also proof of the era the piece has passed through and are elements that convey the texture of the materials and techniques used to create it.
You can also come and see the paintings in person at the gallery to check their condition, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
About the store and reliability
At Rivoli Antiques, we have a track record of lending works to the Tokyo National Museum and the British Museum, and we present works according to museum-level selection criteria.
We have established a system that allows you to purchase and collect with peace of mind.
Please feel free to contact us for collection creation or consultation.
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