Step into the sinuous lines, organic rhythm, and decorative elegance of French Art Nouveau with this extraordinary fine art poster. Originally published in Paris in 1896 under the direction of pioneer Eugène Grasset, this iconic plate—titled Nasturtium / Capucine (Plate 40)—was created by celebrated French designer and artist Maurice Pillard Verneuil for the influential portfolio La Plante et ses applications ornementales.

Featuring a graceful, dancing vine of peltate green leaves, twisting tendrils, and cheerful nasturtium blossoms in golden yellow with fiery crimson throat markings, the composition also includes intricate anatomical studies of buds, seed pods, and flower sections. Meticulously restored against an open off-white background with authentic multilingual headers (“NASTURTIUM”, “CAPUCINE”, and “Die MAIBLUME”), this print brings a timeless, sophisticated layer of Belle Époque design history to modern walls.

The History: During the height of the Art Nouveau movement in late 19th-century Paris, artists rejected rigid academic historicism in favor of organic forms derived directly from nature. In 1896, master designer Eugène Grasset published La Plante et ses applications ornementales, a revolutionary 72-plate folio designed to teach artists how to translate natural flora into decorative patterns, stained glass, textiles, and architectural ironwork. Among Grasset’s most brilliant students was Maurice Pillard Verneuil (1869–1942), who became a leading figure in French decorative art and pattern theory. Combining Japanese woodblock aesthetics (Japonisme) with precise botanical draughtsmanship, Verneuil’s work redefined modern surface design and continues to inspire designers worldwide.

The Aesthetic: A masterclass in flowing line, spatial balance, and vibrant color harmony, this composition captures the climbing, wild energy of the nasturtium vine (Tropaeolum majus). Verneuil highlights the plant’s distinctive circular, shield-like leaves in soft sage and forest green, punctuated by bright butter-yellow petals striped with fiery orange-red nectar guides. Slender, spiraling stems weave through a clean double border, while structural floral dissections at the lower left showcase the geometric logic behind the bloom’s beauty. Grounded by authentic period typography and Verneuil’s signature boxed mark, this high-contrast print introduces an air of French sophistication, natural warmth, and artistic history to any room.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

Art Nouveau collectors, graphic designers, pattern lovers, botanists, interior designers, and admirers of 19th-century French decorative arts.
Sun-drenched kitchens, dining areas, cozy reading alcoves, private libraries, home offices, entryways, or as a radiant focal point on a gallery wall.
Art Nouveau, biophilic, French provincial, Japandi, modern farmhouse, or transitional interior design styles that value fluid organic lines and rich botanical palettes.

Product Details

Artist / Designer: Maurice Pillard Verneuil (French, 1869–1942 / Directed by Eugène Grasset)

Title: Nasturtium / Capucine (Plate 40, La Plante et ses applications ornementales)

Subject: Antique French Art Nouveau Botanical & Nasturtium Pattern Study

Original Year: 1896

Style: French Art Nouveau / Decorative Chromolithograph Fine Art

Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.