This ad from 1954 was illustrated by the post-war legend Rene Gruau. Known mainly for his Dior illustrations, his graceful black ink lines and timeless depictions of feminine elegance are still admired in the art world today. Here a woman coquettishly conceals her face with muffs. This image advertises the leather fragrance Jolie Madame, launched in 1953 by the fashion house Balmain. The house founded by Pierre Balmain was very prominent in post-war haute couture. The work brims with heritage. Frame material: anodised aluminium Color: black Glass: "float" At VAA we deploy modern technology to preserve these antique illustrations. The uniquely hard-wearing frames we use are designed in Switzerland; their durability results from the process of anodising. Anodising is a surface treatment which protects and decorates aluminium using an anodic oxidation process. As a result of this, these frames are especially resistant to corrosion and heat, protecting this vintage art from wear and tear. We frame each illustration ourselves in our workshop in Lausanne, Switzerland. The float glass we use is crystal clear with a very flat surface and carefully polished edges. The frames are 32.7 × 42.7cm (12.87″ x 16.81″). The result? We present you with a period illustration- a genuine antique- enclosed by a frame of the highest quality. In this way, we like to think we're bringing modern technology and antique artistry together.

• Illustrator : Balmain brand
• This original print was published in a periodical from 1954. We do not sell reproductions.
• Your art comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Illustrator : Balmain brand