The poster “L’Etendard français, bicyclettes et tricycles” features a striking image of a woman confidently riding a bicycle while proudly carrying a tricolor pennant, symbolizing the French flag. This advertisement for French bicycles and tricycles captures the spirit of freedom, movement, and national pride associated with cycling during the early 20th century. The woman’s elegant posture and determined expression reflect the empowerment and liberation that bicycles offered to people, particularly women, allowing them to explore their surroundings independently and participate in outdoor activities with newfound freedom.
colors and dynamic composition of the poster, with the woman prominently positioned against a bright background, draw attention to the product being advertised while also evoking a sense of vitality and energy. By associating bicycles and tricycles with national symbols like the tricolor pennant, the poster not only promotes the practical benefits of cycling but also aligns the activity with patriotic sentiments, reinforcing the idea of bicycles as symbols of progress and modernity in French society at the time.