Nunc est Bibendum Michelin Poster Print (c. 1900)

Product details

A toast to early Michelin advertising

Explore the wit behind a familiar mascot with this reproduction of O’Galop’s Nunc est Bibendum Michelin poster, dating to around 1900. Its Latin slogan connects the advertisement with Bibendum’s memorable name, making it an interesting choice for a study, home bar or garage wall. Display it on its own or make it part of a collection devoted to French transport advertising.

About the slogan

“Nunc est bibendum” means “Now is the time to drink.” In this advertisement, the phrase plays on Michelin tyres’ claimed ability to take on road obstacles, turning a practical product message into a humorous advertising idea. Although its toast provides a connection to a home-bar setting, the work promotes tyres rather than a drink, giving it a distinctive place alongside more conventional beverage posters.

Make the display personal

Imagine placing the print near a shelf of motoring books, with warm wooden furniture, softly textured accessories and a favourite transport keepsake nearby. It can introduce an interest in advertising history into an everyday room without requiring the whole space to follow a garage theme. The recorded black, beige and red palette offers a starting point for coordinating accessories or companion artwork.

A smaller format can join an established gallery arrangement, while a larger print gives the Michelin subject a more prominent place. Pair it with the bicycle-tyre poster for a shared mascot connection, or add motorcycle and bicycle advertisements to explore early transport more broadly. Consider your available wall space, surrounding furniture and usual viewing distance before choosing your size.

Paper, printing and finish

This product is a reproduction, not an original turn-of-the-century Michelin advertisement. It is produced using giclée printing on 200gsm matte art paper with a matte finish. Choose a print-only version if you would like to use your own frame, or select a framed option with a black wooden frame and white mount. Three paper sizes provide flexibility for an individual advertising feature or a grouped transport gallery.

Choose your size

• Small: 11 × 14 in, available as a print only or framed.
• Medium: 12 × 16 in, available as a print only or framed.
• Large: 18 × 24 in, available as a print only or framed.
• Framed options include a black wooden frame and white mount. Select your preferred size and finish above.

Pair it with

Continue the mascot theme with the Michelin Man bicycle-tyre poster (c. 1903). For a broader display of early transport advertising, add the Simard Sidecar Motorcycle poster (c. 1910) and Alphonse Mucha’s Bicycle poster (1902), connecting the gallery wall through tyres, motorcycles and cycling.

Explore more Michelin posters and Bibendum’s history

Discover related advertisements in our vintage Michelin posters collection.

Read about Bibendum’s history and the story behind the Michelin Man.