A remarkable original 1950s French literary and gastronomic menu from the legendary Paris restaurant Au Mouton de Panurge, inspired by the writings of François Rabelais and his famous character Panurge. Illustrated in bold, playful colour and steeped in Rabelaisian humour, this piece celebrates food, excess, wit, and satire — exactly as Rabelais intended. The artwork is lively and irreverent, featuring medieval caricature, wine, feasting, music, and mischief, all beautifully printed in period inks and typography. What elevates this example far above decorative ephemera is the abundance of handwritten signatures from notable literary, artistic, and cultural figures of mid-century Paris. These signed menus were often produced for special dinners or gatherings and were kept as souvenirs by attendees — making each example unique. The reverse lists celebrated patrons, writers, artists, musicians, and intellectuals connected with French cultural life, turning this into a genuine snapshot of post-war Parisian intellectual society. This is a collector-level piece, appealing to buyers of: French literary history Gastronomy & restaurant ephemera Signed menus & cultural memorabilia Mid-century illustration & typography Details Venue: Au Mouton de Panurge, Paris Decade: 1950s Language: French (with some English quotations) Format: Illustrated restaurant menu Illustration style: Mid-century / satirical Features: Numerous handwritten signatures Condition: Good vintage condition. Age-related toning, light marks, and handling consistent with use. Ink illustrations remain strong and clear. Please study photographs carefully. Why this is special ✨ Rabelais-inspired Parisian literary culture ✨ Signed example (each one is unique) ✨ Original artwork, not a reproduction ✨ Cross-collectible: literature, art, food history Postage Shipped flat, fully protected, and insured where appropriate. This will not be folded or rolled.
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I’m currently selling my grandmother’s incredible lifetime collection of souvenirs and antiques to help fund a new roof and lovingly restore her beautiful home 🏠.
She was an air hostess in the 1940s and 50s, travelling the world and bringing back unique pieces from every corner ✈️. She later married my grandfather — the pilot she fell in love with in the skies — and together they continued collecting unusual, charming, and historic items.
In the 1960s she became an antiques dealer in her own right, running her business with passion right up until she retired at the grand age of 92.
Now I’m carefully sorting through everything she treasured, hoping these pieces bring you the same joy and nostalgia they brought to my grandparents for so many decades.
Thank you so much for looking — it means the world. 💛