Art “Speed” By Louis Icart

Updated August 27, 2026

Lot number	89
Auction	Sept 15th - High-End Coin Op, Antique, Advertising Auction
Date	September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM MST
Auction house	Pot of Gold Auctions
Location	Avondale, Arizona

Unique selection of an antique piece of framed art, perfect for collecting and home display. This selection is entitled “Speed”, and it was produced by artist Louis Icart. One of the most famous and definitive Art Deco masterpieces, this piece dates back to 1927, being one year shy of a century old. The work displays a glamorous, wind-swept blonde woman who is tightly gripping the leashes of three greyhound dogs leaping forward into a sprint. A brief notation is that Icart did two renditions of “Speed” that are very similar, one in 1927 and the other, “Speed II” in 1933. This direct work is that of the 1927 original “Speed” and the only difference can be seen in examples like the slightly different placement of the woman’s arms and the color order of the greyhounds. Icart utilized complex etching, drypoint and aquatint techniques on paper. Each original print was then custom pulled from thin plates and meticulously hand-colored with watercolor. This direct piece is very distinctive as it appears to be one of the original 1927 hand-pulled etchings. One key identifier is that there is a handwritten “11” in the bottom right corner next to an embossed windmill stamp. Often in low prints like this, Icart and his French studio assistants would routinely write the edition number by itself rather than a full fraction of “11/500”. It also appears that Icart’s signature is handwritten in pencil in the lower left-hand corner. Additionally, two very small print elements can be see on the upper right and left portion of the print, with one stating “Copyright 1927 by L. Icart Paris". Louis Icart (1888-1950) was a prominent French painter and illustrator who became an iconic figure of the Art Deco movement. He is best known for his glamorous, sensuous, and often humorous etchings of women that “joie de vivre” (the joy of living) in the bubbly spirit of 1920’s Paris. He specifically specialized in “boudoir” art, intimate feminine scenes that weren’t necessarily scandalous but were rather often lighthearted and sensual. After World War I, Icart’s work became a visual antidote to the trauma of the trenches that many in the world were experiencing. Overall, the artwork has been framed, matted, and placed under glass. The overall work measures 31” H x 43” W. with the interior work measuring approx. 16” H x 25.5” W. The frame might hold a little bit of wear due to age but the interior work is in great condition. Artwork also comes with a certificate of authenticity. Due to the size and weight, we cannot ship this item. If you require shipping and cannot pick it up in person, please contact a third-party shipper for a shipping quote before placing a bid. If you need shipping recommendations, please contact us at [email protected]. View our full catalog of quality items up for auction at: POGAuctions.com Tag Words: Louis Icart, Art Deco, Modernish, Boudoir Art, Parisian, French Glamour, Greyhound ZC560 BWB

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