Beynac - Constant Duval

In this 1923 travel poster by Léon Constant Duval, the medieval village of Beynac-et-Cazenac cascades down a limestone cliff along the banks of the Dordogne River, crowned by the imposing Château de Beynac. Rendered in soft pastels and golden hues, the image evokes a tranquil, sunlit moment in the southwest of France. The calm river reflects the sheer rock face and richly colored autumn foliage, while a lone fisherman in a flat-bottomed boat adds a note of quiet human presence in the lower foreground.
Commissioned by the Chemin de Fer d’Orléans, this poster promoted automobile excursions and rail travel to France’s lesser-explored regions. The Périgord Noir, where Beynac is located, was known for its preserved medieval towns, prehistoric sites, and natural beauty. The castle itself dates to the 12th century and was once a strategic stronghold in the Hundred Years’ War — its dramatic position above the river making it as defensible as it is picturesque.
Le’on Constant Duval (1877–1956), a prolific French poster artist and lithographer, was known for his sweeping landscapes and subtle gradients. In contrast to the bold geometry of Art Deco contemporaries like Roger Broders, Duval’s style leans toward softness and romanticism — capturing not just the structure of a place, but its atmosphere. Here, he uses light and composition to convey Beynac as both a historic monument and an idyllic destination.
This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. It is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.