Absinthe Gempp Pernod - Cappiello

This lively Belle Époque poster by Leonetto Cappiello (1875–1942) was created to advertise Absinthe Gempp Pernod of Lunel. A radiant red-haired woman in a flowing blue dress lifts a bottle of the famed drink with a broad smile, embodying the celebratory spirit and seductive allure that Cappiello so often conveyed in his advertising art. The bold lettering and simplified yellow background heighten the sense of energy and modernity, hallmarks of Cappiello’s work that helped transform poster design in the early 20th century.Leonetto Cappiello, often called the father of modern advertising, was renowned for his bold figures, striking colors, and ability to distill a product’s identity into a single memorable image. His career spanned from caricature to commercial art, and he became one of the most influential poster artists of his era, producing iconic images for beverages, theatrical performances, and consumer goods.To learn more about the career of Cappiello, please follow this link: https://postergroup.com/blogs/the-ross-art-group-blog/for-the-love-of-cappielloAbsinthe, the drink promoted here, was both celebrated and notorious in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nicknamed “the green fairy,” it was embraced by artists and writers such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, and Baudelaire, who associated it with inspiration and bohemian life. However, absinthe was also criticized for its addictive qualities and alleged hallucinogenic effects, which many believed led to social problems and ill health. By the early 20th century, these concerns led to absinthe being banned in several countries, including France in 1915. Posters like this one capture the paradox of absinthe’s cultural place—simultaneously glamorous, fashionable, and controversial.This is an Original Vintage Poster, it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in good condition. It has been printed in 2 separate sheets and merged together in linen backing. The background yellow color exhibits some unevenness as is evident in the photo and the edges of the margins are chipped which can easily be covered when framing. This poster is Ultra Rare. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.