Constructions Exposition Universelle 1889. [54-piece colour chromolithograph on wood puzzle of Pavilion des Beaux Arts, Palais de Trocadero, Ministere de la Guerre, Maison Egyptienne, Panorama transatlantique, Une rue au Caire].

[Paris: n.p., 1889]. 4to. 10.5 x 10.75 in. Six individual puzzles individually postcard sized approx. 3.5 x 4.75 in., w/ colour chromolithograph image dissected onto nine wooden pieces each (1 small piece has been supplied in facsimile for upper corner of the Cairo street puzzle). All contained w/in the original deep red paper-covered wooden box, raised bed w/in the box to hold the puzzles, lid w/ decorative gilt title lettering (minor shelfwear, very minor rubbing), still a VG nearly complete artifact. Very scarce original souvenir puzzle game issued for the fourth great Paris World’s Fair, celebrating through pomp and events the Centennial of the French Revolution, and the storming of the Bastille. The Exposition was intended to pull France out of a ruinous recession, and attracted over 61,000 exhibitors, as well as 32 million visitors, many of whom came to view the iconic Eiffel Tower. This puzzle celebrates several of the pavilions at the Exposition, including Palais des Beaux-Arts, designed by Joseph Brouvard, filled with painting, and flanking the Eiffel Tower providing visitors; the Palais de Trocadero held over from the famed 1878 Exposition celebrating the renewal of Paris following the Franco-Prussian War; as well as the Ministere de la Guerre, which featured an Arms & Armour exhibition, as well as displays of knightly tournaments, assorted uniforms, and cannon. The Maison Egyptienne and Rue au Caire would fuel the Orientalist movement and fascination with the Middle East among artists, writers, and the industrial arts well into the 20th Century. These boxed puzzle games were quite popular souvenirs, as well as educational tools in the Belle Epoque, and have become remarkably scarce. No copies in Worldcat.