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Description

This vibrant print by Georges Meunier, titled Moto-Flirt, captures the early 20th-century fascination with automobiles and social encounters.

In this humorous scene, a man in a long driving coat and cap stands precariously atop his open automobile to reach over a high wall, engaging in a flirtatious exchange with a woman on the other side. The woman, elegantly dressed, holds a tennis racket. Meanwhile, a passenger seated in the car below looks up, bemused, watching the driver’s bold gesture with interest.

The early automobile, depicted here without a roof and with exposed seating, was typical of the era’s vehicles, which were often built for leisure and novelty rather than convenience.  Meunier’s illustration reflects the romance and spontaneity associated with these early cars, which offered a sense of freedom and adventure.

Georges Meunier (1869–1942), a skilled French artist, was known for his humorous and light-hearted approach to subjects, often bringing a touch of charm to his works. Trained at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, he worked under the influential Jules Chéret at the Chaix Print Studios. Chéret’s style, known for its vibrant colors and lively figures, is evident in Meunier’s work, though Meunier added his own flair for wit. Moto-Flirt is a fine example of his ability to capture the lighthearted spirit of Parisian society at the turn of the century, blending modern technology with traditional romantic gestures.