Au bord de l’eau (1904)

George Auriol prints show the elegant, playful side of Art Nouveau graphic design in Paris. Auriol was a poet, songwriter, illustrator and type designer from the circle of the Chat Noir cabaret, and his flowing Auriol typeface inspired the lettering of the Paris Métro. Our collection of fine art prints includes his monograms and bookplates, leaf and flower patterns, theatre programmes, holiday cards and the 1910 Rondes du Valet de Carreau.

About George Auriol

George Auriol was born Jean-Georges Huyot in Beauvais on 26 April 1863, and arrived in Paris in 1883. Eugène Grasset introduced him to typography and book design, and he became fascinated by the revival of historical type styles.

He joined the bohemian world of Montmartre, frequenting the Chat Noir cabaret, where he was a long-time friend of Erik Satie and part of the humorous Fumiste group; the writer Alphonse Allais wrote stories about him. He designed programmes for André Antoine's Théâtre Libre and for the Théâtre du Chat Noir, one of which became a popular poster.

From 1901 he designed Art Nouveau typefaces for the Peignot foundry, including the Auriol, which inspired Hector Guimard's lettering for the Paris Métro. He published three books of seals, marks and monograms, and from 1924 taught drawing at the École Estienne. He died in Paris in February 1938.

Style and Subjects

Auriol's designs are built from flowing, natural lines: leaves, stems, flowers and waves, simplified into rhythmic patterns. His letters have the same brush-drawn, organic feel, as if written rather than engineered.

His monograms and bookplates pack initials and symbols into small, perfectly balanced emblems, influenced by Japanese family crests. The theatre programmes and holiday cards are lighter and more whimsical, with the wit of the Chat Noir.

Famous Works

• Théâtre du Chat Noir (1895). A programme design for the famous Montmartre cabaret theatre.
• Myrane et Les Chapons (Programme for the Théâtre Libre) (1889), Cleveland Museum of Art. A programme for André Antoine's theatre.
• Scheherazade (1901), Cleveland Museum of Art. An Art Nouveau design on a tale from the Arabian Nights.
• Noël (Holiday Card) (1902), Cleveland Museum of Art. A Christmas greeting in his flowing style.
• Promenade sur Bois (1900), Cleveland Museum of Art. A stroll in the woods in delicate line.
• Le Second Livre des monogrammes, marques, cachets et ex-libris, Plate 45. From his books of monograms and seals.
• Abstract Design Based on Leaves. A pattern of stylised leaves.

Decorating with Auriol Prints

Auriol's leaf patterns and monograms suit a modern or Art Nouveau interior, and they look striking in a hallway, office or library as a neat grid. Their simple shapes and limited colours make them easy to mix with plants, natural wood and brass.

The Chat Noir and Théâtre Libre programmes bring Parisian charm to a living room, bar area or music room. The holiday cards make lovely seasonal decorations. Thin black or gold frames suit his elegant line.

FAQ

Who was George Auriol?

George Auriol (1863–1938), born Jean-Georges Huyot, was a French poet, songwriter, graphic designer, type designer and Art Nouveau artist.

What is the Auriol typeface?

An Art Nouveau typeface Auriol designed for the G. Peignot & Fils foundry around 1901. It inspired Hector Guimard's lettering for the Paris Métro stations.

What was the Chat Noir?

A famous cabaret in Montmartre, Paris, where artists, poets and musicians gathered. Auriol was a regular, a friend of Erik Satie, and designed for its theatre.

What are Auriol's monogram books?

Three books of seals, marks and monograms that he designed, starting with Le Premier Livre des cachets, marques et monogrammes (1901).

Did Auriol work with Henri Rivière?

Yes. He handled the typography, layout and design of Rivière's Les Trente-six Vues de la Tour Eiffel (1902).

Related Artists

• Eugène Grasset: introduced him to typography and book design
• Henri Rivière: Chat Noir friend whose Eiffel Tower views he designed
• Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen: fellow artist of the Chat Noir circle
• Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: poster artist of Montmartre in the same years
• Alphonse Mucha: leading Art Nouveau designer in Paris