 |
French 47 x 63 This artwork is Bonal, an iconic Art Deco advertising poster designed by the legendary graphic artist A.M. Cassandre (Adolphe Jean-Marie Mouron) in 1935.
Artwork Details
• Artist: A.M. Cassandre
• Date: 1935 (the gold/yellow background lithograph version variant)
• Printer: Alliance Graphique, Paris
• Subject: An advertisement for Bonal Gentiane-Quina, a bitter French apéritif wine made with gentian and cinchona herbs from the Grande Chartreuse mountains.
Composition & Symbolism
The poster represents Cassandre's signature combination of Cubist geometry, stark contrasts, and conceptual cleverness:
• The Silhouette: An abstracted figure is shown tipping back a bottle of Bonal. As the dark liquid enters the body, it visualizes a physical change—transforming into bright pink stars cascading down the torso.
• The Key: A large graphic key forms part of the stomach layout with the text "Ouvre l'appétit" ("Opens the appetite") running down its shaft. The visual metaphor implies that drinking Bonal acts as a literal key to unlock your appetite before a meal.
• Color Balance: This particular edition stands out for its warm, sunlit airbrush-style gradient moving from brown to bright gold and yellow. |
|
|
