Cycling/Vélodrome/Charenton/Misti/Women. Historians tell us - Lot 149

Cycling/Vélodrome/Charenton/Misti/Women. Historians tell us that the belle époque wasn't as beautiful as it's made out to be, so we doubt it a little, when we discover this pure marvel signed by master poster artist Misti (1865-1922) to promote the Vélodrome de l'Est. "Vélodrome de l'Est, Bd St Maurice, Charenton...". Was this commissioned by Desgrange, who was the owner? Perhaps, but races were also in full swing in the east of France in 1894-95, and the "cocottes" were wearing hands, hats and binoculars... A few top hats framed them, but they didn't need that to be cheerful...There were certainly velodromes to the west, in Neuilly, Levallois or Auteuil, but the craziest races (see the program of the spectator with the binoculars) were perhaps in Charenton, which is their home, and you can also get there via Picpus or Dorée... For having been ephemeral, this velodrome, where the first Grand Prix de Paris was contested in 1894, won by Géo Banker, remains a heritage landmark. Later, the municipal track in Vincennes took over. Canvas lithograph, TBE, 130.5x92.5. Lithographie Bataille;