La Grande vie

French periodical publication of the Belle Époque which explores popular culture and also the evolution of photomontage: La Grande Vie illustre par la photographie d’apres nature, Paris, 29 Nov. 1899-Dec. 1900 (only issue no. 1 is dated) – (ND) 1900. This magazine demonstrates the full use of the letterpress halftone at the turn of the century. It contains many photocollages of a whimsical and slightly risqué nature; along with many staged serial photographed tableaus. These are considered to be by E. LaGrange. One full issue is devoted to the famous dancer Cleo de Merode. There are approximately 35 photographs in every issue for a total of 24 issues. It is quite unusual and no match appears in the US or England in 1900, however the English / American publication The Standard modeled along the same lines starts within the next year. This periodical is listed in only three locations, all in Europe, one being the Rijksmuseum which used their copy in a recent exhibition. -- David A. Hanson documentation.

"Imprimerie Éd. Crété