Cachou Lajaunie

Artist Leonetto Cappiello Italy, 1875 - 1942

Printer Imp. Devambez, Paris. France

Date1920

Dimensions59 x 39 in. (149.9 x 99.1 cm)

ClassificationsPoster

Credit LineFrom the Collection of Barbara and Donald Tober, Donated in 2022

Terms

Object numberPH.6900

DescriptionThis is one of several posters designed by Leonetto Cappiello for Cachou Lajaunie, black pastilles intended to freshen the breath and improve dental health; they were developed in Toulouse, France in 1880 by a pharmacist named Leon Lajaunie. In a typical composition, Cappiello sets the vivid figure of the lady languidly smoking a cigarette against a simple, dark ground. She holds in her left hand a yellow tin of Cachou Lajaunie, a product originally marketed to Lajaunie's customers, including many smokers, chauffeurs, and cyclists, and one that is still available in France today. The Maison Devambez printing house had been established in 1826 by the royal engraver; it was taken over in 1873 by Edouard Devambez, who expanded the business from heraldic engraving and stationery for royalty and aristocrats. By the time this work was produced, it was a hugely distinguished firm that also printed fine prints, books, and posters.

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