Mich: The Master of the Belle Époque Poster
February 20, 2026 1900s , 1910s , 1920s , illustration , work of art Michel Liebeaux (1881–1923), better known by his artistic pseudonym Mich, was a prominent French poster artist and caricaturist who defined the visual energy of the early 20th century. Renowned for his bold, spirited depictions of the burgeoning automobile and bicycle industries, Mich had a unique talent for capturing motion and character with minimalist, sweeping lines. His work for major brands like Michelin and various cycling firms often featured humorous, elongated figures that exuded a sense of “Belle Époque” charm and modern speed. Beyond commercial advertising, his caricatures of high-society figures in sports and maritime circles remains a vital historical record of French social life. Today, Mich is celebrated as a pioneer of the modern graphic poster, a master who could sell a lifestyle through a single, witty stroke of his pen....
