Monaco | 1963

Monaco, 1963, by Michel Beligond

A white and red-striped Formula One car in the foreground speeding through Monaco’s narrow streets. The driver, wearing a red helmet and goggles, is focused as he grips the wheel, while the car’s oversized wheels dominate the lower half of the image. Behind him, two more race cars follow closely, rendered in loose, energetic brushstrokes that suggest motion and competition. The background features the unmistakable architecture of Monaco, with its elegant white buildings, palm trees, and harbour filled with yachts, all set against a rich blue sky. The bold typography at the bottom announces "Monaco" alongside the race dates.​

The Monaco Grand Prix, established in 1929, is renowned for its challenging circuit that winds through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. By 1963, it had become a highlight of the Formula 1 calendar.​

Michel Beligond (1927–1973) was a French artist renowned for his illustrative poster artwork, particularly in the automotive and motorsport sectors. Born in Deuil-la-Barre, France, Beligond gained prominence for his promotional posters of events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and various Formula 1 Grand Prix races, including the 1965 French Grand Prix at Rouen. In 1968, he collaborated with the Renault design centre in Rueil-Malmaison and played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the curves of the future Alpine A310, the successor to the A110 "Berlinette." Despite battling multiple sclerosis, which progressively paralyzed him, Beligond continued to influence automotive design, guiding young designers until his death in 1973.