Ancient poster created around 1900 by Anton Reckziegel for the Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le Lac Léman, this large colour lithograph reflects the rise of Swiss tourism during the Belle Époque. Printed in Bern by Hubacher & Cie, it presents Lake Geneva as a prestigious destination, both modern, picturesque and international. At the centre of the composition, an elegant CGN steamboat crosses the lake, surrounded by sailing boats, with the Alpine mountains and the luminous shores of the Upper Lake in the background. Around this main scene, several secondary views depict emblematic locations such as Geneva, Évian-les-Bains and Ouchy-Lausanne, while a small map highlights the European connections available to travellers.

The poster perfectly illustrates the important role played by steam navigation in the tourist development of Lake Geneva at the turn of the 20th century. At that time, the CGN was no longer only a transport company linking the Swiss and French shores: it also helped transform the lake journey into an elegant leisure experience, combining travel, discovery and scenic pleasure. The composition is rich and decorative, blending topographical precision, romantic atmosphere and advertising impact. The narcissus flowers in the foreground, the lively water, the snow-capped mountains and the bold red lettering of “Lac Léman” give the image strong visual appeal.

Balancing practical information with an invitation to dream, this work is highly representative of Swiss Belle Époque travel posters. Its style combines landscape realism, decorative lithography and a subtle Art Nouveau influence, creating an idealised image of travel on Lake Geneva.

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