MARIUS JOGNARELLI LA TASSE. 1900. 553/4x41 inches. Cassan Fils, Paris. Condition A-: restored losses in top left corner; creases in image. We know nothing of Jongarelli. Hundreds of minor illustrators were designing competent, if uninspired posters during this era. Yet, that is exactly what gives charm to this turn-of-the-century scene. It is a classic snapshot of the period, in which the woman in her elaborate hat, the classically-dressed waiter with his exagerated sideburns, and the product are all dated. Liqueurs with supposedly digestive qualities, were released all over France like snake-oil in the American Mid-West. This particular liqueur originated in the Southwest, which explains why the poster was printed in Toulouse. The text tells us that La Tasse [the cup] was served in a special cup. That must have been the only original thing about this drink; it didn't survive very long.
