La Belle Époque, or "Beautiful Era," was a period in French and Belgian history that is characterized by optimism, peace at home and in Europe, new technology and scientific discoveries. The peace and prosperity in Paris allowed the arts to flourish, and many masterpieces of literature, music, theater, and visual art gained recognition.
 
This painting was inspired by an illustration from Cocorico, a French magazine first published in 1898.  The woman in the background was produced by Alphonse Mucha.  Mucha produced a flurry of paintings, posters, advertisements, and book illustrations, as well as designs for jewelry, carpets, wallpaper, and theatre sets in what became known as Art Nouveau (French for "new art").
 
Large and in the foreground is the Eiffel Tower, built to serve as the grand entrance to the 1889 World's Fair held in Paris, and became the accustomed symbol of the city, to its inhabitants and to visitors from around the world.
 
Along with a French handwritten document and seal, there is a wonderful postcard sent from France back to family and friends in Minneapolis, which says, “You’ll be seeing this part of the world soon.  It seems good to get back to it.  The fellows are all having a good time.”
 
 Acrylic image transfer, mediums, and paint on canvas.