PRIVAT LIVEMONT (1861-1936) ABSINTHE ROBETTE. 1896. 43 1/2x32 1/2 inches, 108x82 1/2 cm. Goffart, Brussels. Condition A- minor creases in margins and image; restored punch-holes in left margin. The extraordinary work of Privat Livemont is often compared to that of Alphonse Mucha. Both, Art Nouveau masters shared an unmistakable adoration of the female figure and an elaborate sense of ornamentation. One of the obvious differences between their work is their palettes. Livemont focused on light pastel tones with greens and blues and generally his work is punctuated by white outlines that serve to make his figures stand out against the background. This poster is one of Privat Livemont's masterpieces. It depicts a beautiful woman clad only in a gossamer veil, reverentially holding aloft a glass of absinthe. In the background Livemont has worked an exquisite decorative pattern of alcohol vapors. 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.
