Zimmerman et sa machine (Zimmerman and His Machine) 1895

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec sketched "Zimmerman and His Machine," capturing a moment of modernity. The bicycle, a symbol of progress and freedom, is paired with Zimmerman, whose striped attire evokes the era's sporting fashion. The bicycle motif, beyond its functional aspect, appears in various contexts. Think of antiquity’s chariots, medieval steeds, or even Leonardo’s war machines – all convey power, speed, and human ingenuity. The wheel itself has ancient solar symbolism that is present across cultures. The bicycle, however, democratizes this concept. Here, it’s not a vehicle of the elite but a tool for the common man. This shift reflects a psychological yearning for progress and individual capability, capturing the spirit of the modern age. This print serves as a potent reminder of how symbols resurface, evolve, and adapt.