Ernest Montaut could easily be considered the father of ‘motor speed’ and Mecanic Art. He has invented numerous artistic techniques, such as speed lines and the deliberate distortion of perspective through bending and foreshortening of the image, to capture speed and create the impression of movement in his paintings.  Some of his techniques are still used by contemporary artists today.

Montaut began his career in the late 19th century in printmaking.  His lithographic prints portray daring action, drama, speed and adventure; windy mountainous roads covered at great speeds by the newly invented automobile.  Mechanics and drivers pushed to their physical limits and endurance in an attempt to master control over these monstrous machines.  Limousines with chauffeurs, glamour, fashion, excitement set against scenic surroundings are recurring themes in Montaut’s lithographs.

Most of Montaut’s printed outlines include the artist’s name, year of publication, a description of the image or event and the name of the printmaker ‘Mabileau & Cie.’  Many of the prints also promote certain brands of tires, carburettors, and magnetos, which may well have been funded by their producers.  Outlines were printed using lithographic stone, and were then painted by hand using watercolours.  The use of different artists to hand paint the outlines explains the noticeable differences in colour between similar images.  Today, Montaut’s prints are considered to be true works of art.

Ernest Montaut died at the young age of 31.  Prints continued to be produced after his death by his wife Marguerite Montaut.  These were occasionally signed as ‘M. Montaut’, but for most of her prints she used the name ‘Gamy’, – ‘Gamy’ being an anagram of ‘Magy.’

montaut

Some Ernest Montaut lithographic prints :

  • E.Montaut--Zeppelin

    Ernest Montaut

    Zeppelin

  • Ernest Montaut

    Panhard et Levassor

  • Ernest Montaut

    En visite

  • Ernest Montaut

    Un match moderne

  • Ernest Montaut

    A Dourdan motocyclette Peugeot

  • Ernest Montaut

    Paris La Mer 1903

  • Ernest Montaut

    L'Epave

  • Ernest Montaut

    Coupe des Voiturettes 1908

Some Gamy Montaut lithographic prints :

  • Gamy-Grd-prix-de-l_Acf-1913-Motocyclette

    Gamy Montaut

    Grand Prix de l'ACF 1913 motocyclette

  • Gamy Montaut

    Raid Londres-Manchester

  • Gamy Montaut

    Dirigeables

  • Gamy Montaut

    Coupe de voitures légères

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