PRIVAT LIVEMONT (1861-1936) ABSINTHE ROBETTE. 1896. 43x31 1/2 inches, 109x80 cm. Goffart, Brussles. Condition A- / B+: creases in margins and image; minor repaired tear along lower left margin. The extraordinary work of Privat Livemont is often compared to that of Alphonse Mucha. Both men, Art Nouveau masters in their own rights, share an unmistakable adoration of the female figure and elaborate sense of ornamentation. One of the obvious differences between the work of the two men is their palettes. Livemont focuses on light pastel tones with greens and blues and generally his work is punctuated by white outlines that serve to make his figures really stand out against the background. This poster is one of Privat Livemont's masterpieces. It depicts a beautiful woman clad only in a thin gossamer veil, reverentially holding aloft a glass of absinthe. In the background Livemont has worked the exquisite decorative pattern of alcohol vapors. No less an authority than Ernest Maindron, writing in les Affiches Illustres (in 1896), stated "I don't know [the product] l'Absinthe Robette, but the delicious poster by Mr. Livemont, a charming symbol of the liquor, immediately convinced me of its excellency." DFP-II 1062, Maitres 104, Wine Spectator 80, Absinthe p. 134, Maitres 1900 p. 88, Gold 43.
