William Henry Barribal (British, 1874-1952)
A moth to the flame
gouache and watercolour, a triptych
signed `W. Barribal’ (lower left)
27 x 36.1/8 in. (68.5 x 91.7 cm.) including frame
William Henry Barribal (1874–1952) was a British illustrator and painter known for his refined Art Nouveau and Art Deco style, blending graphic precision with dreamlike, theatrical imagery. This fantastical scene of a small winged figure flanked by candlelit side panels alive with moths, shows Barribal’s skill in creating atmospheric, imaginative compositions. Its dark background, luminous wings, and delicately and confidently rendered figure exemplify the elegance and subtle drama found throughout his illustrative oeuvre.
Barribal trained as a lithographer and later studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, a major centre of artistic training that shaped many prominent illustrators. His career flourished in the early 20th century, when he became widely recognized for posters, commercial art, and fashion illustrations. He produced acclaimed advertising work for W.D. & H.O. Wills, particularly cigarette posters and collectible card series such as “Cinema Stars” and “Film Favourites,” which today remain highly sought after by collectors, as well as travel posters for the railways. Barribal notably worked for Vogue in his heyday.
William Henry Barribal (British, 1874-1952)
A moth to the flame
gouache and watercolour, a triptych
signed `W. Barribal’ (lower left)
27 x 36.1/8 in. (68.5 x 91.7 cm.) including frame
William Henry Barribal (1874–1952) was a British illustrator and painter known for his refined Art Nouveau and Art Deco style, blending graphic precision with dreamlike, theatrical imagery. This fantastical scene of a small winged figure flanked by candlelit side panels alive with moths, shows Barribal’s skill in creating atmospheric, imaginative compositions. Its dark background, luminous wings, and delicately and confidently rendered figure exemplify the elegance and subtle drama found throughout his illustrative oeuvre.
Barribal trained as a lithographer and later studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, a major centre of artistic training that shaped many prominent illustrators. His career flourished in the early 20th century, when he became widely recognized for posters, commercial art, and fashion illustrations. He produced acclaimed advertising work for W.D. & H.O. Wills, particularly cigarette posters and collectible card series such as “Cinema Stars” and “Film Favourites,” which today remain highly sought after by collectors, as well as travel posters for the railways. Barribal notably worked for Vogue in his heyday.
