This original late-19th-century French trade card was issued by Au Bon Marché, the pioneering Parisian department store founded by Aristide Boucicaut, widely regarded as the inventor of modern retail.
Printed on card stock and intended to be read on both sides, the illustrated front features a richly colored chromolithograph of two children i The imagery reflects the period’s use of charm, childhood, and everyday ritual to convey trust, abundance, and refinement.
The reverse presents an engraved view of the Bon Marché complex with multiple Paris addresses listed, alongside a bilingual (French and English) statement of the store’s commercial philosophy — emphasizing fair pricing, customer confidence, and large-scale distribution. This bilingual text suggests circulation among both Parisian shoppers and international visitors.
Such cards were distributed freely and frequently trimmed or discarded; intact examples with complete front-and-back printing are increasingly scarce.
Physical Details
Format: Single trade card, printed both sides
Material: Heavy card stock
Dimensions: approx. 3 × 4 inches
Printing: Chromolithography (front), letterpress engraving (back)
Condition: Age toning and light surface wear consistent with period use; structurally sound and untrimmed
This original late-19th-century French trade card was issued by Au Bon Marché, the pioneering Parisian department store founded by Aristide Boucicaut, widely regarded as the inventor of modern retail.
Printed on card stock and intended to be read on both sides, the illustrated front features a richly colored chromolithograph of two children i The imagery reflects the period’s use of charm, childhood, and everyday ritual to convey trust, abundance, and refinement.
The reverse presents an engraved view of the Bon Marché complex with multiple Paris addresses listed, alongside a bilingual (French and English) statement of the store’s commercial philosophy — emphasizing fair pricing, customer confidence, and large-scale distribution. This bilingual text suggests circulation among both Parisian shoppers and international visitors.
Such cards were distributed freely and frequently trimmed or discarded; intact examples with complete front-and-back printing are increasingly scarce.
Physical Details
Format: Single trade card, printed both sides
Material: Heavy card stock
Dimensions: approx. 3 × 4 inches
Printing: Chromolithography (front), letterpress engraving (back)
Condition: Age toning and light surface wear consistent with period use; structurally sound and untrimmed
