This charming poster for Dubonnet captures the lighthearted atmosphere of the French bar scene during the Belle Epoque. A stylish woman with a tiny waist gleefully sways with a glass and bottle of Quinquina Dubonnet in each hand. Her cat appears to partake in the revelry as well. This poster was printed in a larger size, as well as this size which was used as an advertising insert in French newspaper, Le Courrier Francais.
Dubonnet is a wine-based aperitif with quinine, meant to be enjoyed before dinner to stimulate the appetite. Dubonnet was developed in 1846 by Joseph Dubonnet in a competition run by the French Government. The goal of the competition was to find a way to convince French Foreign Legionnaires in North Africa to drink quinine, which combats malaria but tastes very bitter. Dubonnet was wise enough to combine the quinine with irresistible wine and other flavorings, and the drink became an instant success abroad and in France. It is still manufactured today, and is actually the Queen of England’s beverage of choice.
Jules Chéret (1836-1932) was known as the "Father of the Modern Poster." He was a French painter and lithographer who traveled to England as an apprentice and introduced the latest lithography techniques to French culture. Paired with his creativity and artistic flair, Chéret began creating advertisements for cabarets, music halls, and theaters. His artwork is typified by his influence of the Rococo movement to create vivid advertising, often featuring free-spirited young women that became known as "Chérettes." These figures have become quintessential Belle Epoque imagery. Chéret's posters earned him a gold medal at the Paris World's Fair in 1889.
You can read more about the life of Jules Cheret on our blog post: https://postergroup.com/blogs/the-ross-art-group-blog/jules-cheret-father-of-the-modern-poster
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.
