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
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.On View
Not on view
