A refined Art Nouveau lithograph by Théo van Rysselberghe, depicting a woman browsing prints at the Lembrée Gallery in Brussels.

This lithographic poster by Théo van Rysselberghe advertises the Lembrée Gallery, located on Avenue Louise in Brussels. The composition depicts a woman in a voluminous, rust-coloured cloak and a dark hat, standing in profile as she examines a print. Her posture is relaxed, suggesting a quiet moment of contemplation within the gallery space. The artist employs the flat planes of colour and bold outlines characteristic of the Art Nouveau period, which drew inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints. Van Rysselberghe, a founding member of the Belgian group Les XX, was deeply involved in the avant-garde circles of his time. While he is often associated with Pointillism, this work demonstrates his versatility in graphic design. The inclusion of a telephone on the wall serves as a modern detail, grounding the scene in the late nineteenth century. The typography is integrated into the design, with the gallery name and address forming a clear base for the image. The colour palette is restrained, relying on the contrast between the warm terracotta of the cloak and the muted greens of the background and interior elements. The work reflects the period's interest in the commercial application of fine art, where posters were treated as legitimate artistic expressions rather than mere advertisements. The clean lines and balanced arrangement of the figure against the stacks of portfolios create a sense of order and sophistication. This piece captures the atmosphere of a refined Brussels art establishment at the turn of the century, offering a glimpse into the cultural life of the city during a period of rapid modernisation.