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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Leonetto Cappiello was an Italian-born artist who made his mark in Paris, revolutionizing early 20th-century commercial art. Renowned for his innovative approach to poster design, Cappiello favored bold, memorable imagery that stood out in the bustling city streets. His pioneering use of color lithography and striking compositions helped define the visual language of modern advertising.
Cappiello is now considered a central figure in the history of the advertising poster, bridging the elegance of the Belle Époque with a new, graphic sensibility. To discover more of his influential work, explore our Leonetto Cappiello collection.
The Artwork
Created in 1920, Cachou Lajaunie was designed to promote a fashionable Parisian breath mint. At a time when posters were the primary medium for brand visibility in urban life, this artwork transformed everyday advertising into a form of public theater. Cappiello’s imaginative approach captured the spirit of a city where brands vied for attention on every corner.
Instead of a literal depiction, the poster uses visual metaphor to evoke the product’s allure. The swirling smoke and playful character express the sensation and personality of the brand, making it instantly recognizable in the crowded visual landscape of Paris.
Style & Characteristics
The poster features a dramatic black background that spotlights the central figure—a woman in a vivid red costume with a pale, expressive face. A luminous yellow swirl of smoke rises from her hand, curling upward and forming a whimsical, face-like shape. This clever transformation adds a sense of movement and mischief to the composition.
Flat, saturated colors and crisp outlines exemplify classic French lithography, while bold green lettering contrasts sharply with the dark ground. The overall mood is witty and sophisticated, making this vintage advertising print a striking choice for a graphic-inspired gallery wall.
In Interior Design
This poster brings a burst of energy and character to kitchens, dining areas, hallways, or cocktail corners—anywhere a bold focal point is desired. Its high-contrast palette and playful design suit eclectic, Parisian-inspired, or modern interiors.
Pair it with warm neutrals, brass, walnut, or matte black finishes, and echo its red and yellow accents in decorative details. For more inspiration, browse our vintage advertising posters and vertical posters.