Bitter Secrestat - Robys

Bitter Secrestat was a French aperitif bitters produced in France and likely in Argentina but no longer manufactured. It was very popular during the period right after the American Prohibition. Bitter Secrestat contained Gentian (group of flowering plants) bitters enhanced by a strong portion of citrus. In the poster we find a French sentence, which translates to "The oldest of gentian aperitifs". In 1922 the popular cocktail Alfonso appeared in the French resort town of Deauville, which contained Secrestat as one of the ingredients.

This horizontal poster is a very charming and unique work of art. Robys has chosen the French colors red, blue and white very cleverly for the poster. After the ban, Bitter Secrestat became the favored spirit for absinthe drinkers. In the poster we can see how the lovable bartender is serving the aperitif in the glasses, then placing a spoon with a sugar cube on top and finally pouring water on top to mix the water, sugar and Sacrestat. Overall, the Bitter Secrestat is a very attractive piece with vibrant colors and fine design. Little is known about the artist of the poster Robys (Robert Wolff). His works have been documented from 1933 to 1950, and many were done in one over size sheet measuring in average 51x78 inches. His style is somewhat bold but yet whimsical in the genre of Cappiello, D'Ylen, and LeMonnier.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.