Fumar el papel JOB o dejar de fumar Circa 1900

This circa 1900 Art Nouveau advertising poster, designed by Peruvian-born artist Daniel Hernández, is a stunning example of early 20th-century luxury brand marketing. Created for JOB cigarette rolling papers, the advertisement reflects the era’s elegant aesthetics and sophisticated lifestyle appeal. The slogan, "Fumar el papel JOB o dejar de fumar" ("Smoke JOB paper or stop smoking"), emphasizes the brand’s prestige and superior quality, making it seem indispensable for tobacco connoisseurs.

The artwork features a sensual and dreamlike composition, characteristic of the Belle Époque. A radiant red-haired woman, partially draped in sheer fabric, lounges in a relaxed pose, smiling seductively as she delicately holds a lit cigarette. The soft pastels, golden hues, and fluid lines create a warm, ethereal atmosphere, reinforcing the romantic and luxurious associations of the JOB brand. The swirling wisps of smoke, artistically integrated into the design, echo the organic, flowing forms typical of Art Nouveau illustration. The ornate green decorative border further enhances the visual richness, framing the central figure like a jewel in an exquisite setting.

At the turn of the century, tobacco advertising was at its peak, and brands relied on opulent, aspirational imagery to captivate consumers. JOB, a French rolling paper company founded in the 1830s, became known for collaborating with renowned artists to create highly collectible posters. This particular piece, executed with remarkable softness and luminosity, reflects Hernández’s mastery of portraiture and classical technique, which he refined during his studies in Europe. His ability to capture the sensuality and grace of the female form made him a sought-after artist for both fine art and commercial illustration.

Beyond its commercial function, this poster is an important example of the fusion between fine art and advertising, a defining feature of Art Nouveau poster design. It demonstrates how companies in the early 20th century elevated advertising into an art form, commissioning celebrated painters to craft exquisite promotional imagery. Today, original JOB posters, especially those created by artists like Alphonse Mucha, Jules Chéret, and Daniel Hernández, are highly prized among collectors of vintage advertising, Art Nouveau design, and tobacco ephemera.

For enthusiasts of historical lithographs, this piece serves as both a visual masterpiece and a cultural artifact, encapsulating the grace, allure, and refined aesthetics of the Belle Époque. It remains a testament to a time when advertising was not just about selling a product but about evoking a lifestyle of indulgence and sophistication.

Tobacco - Advertising - Art Nouveau - Spain

Engomado o sin Engomar

Printed by Cassan fils in Toulouse-Paris

Very good condition