Papier à Cogarettes JOB de Jean Bardou Circa 1900

This original circa 1900 poster, printed in lithograph, was created by Daniel Hernández Morillo to advertise Papier à Cigarettes JOB de Jean Bardou. Printed by Cassan Fils in Toulouse and Paris, it belongs to the celebrated series of artistic advertisements commissioned by JOB during the Belle Époque.

Founded in Perpignan by Jean Bardou and subsequently developed into a major manufacturer by his son Pierre Bardou, JOB became one of France’s best-known cigarette-paper brands. Its name originated from Jean Bardou’s initials, “J.B.,” separated by a diamond that was gradually interpreted as the letter “O.” The company became particularly renowned for collaborating with important contemporary artists.

Hernández depicts an elegant red-haired woman reclining against a green cushion, dressed in delicate translucent fabric and holding a lit cigarette above her head. Wisps of smoke drift across the luminous yellow background and surround the bold red-and-black JOB lettering. Her relaxed pose, direct gaze and refined appearance embody the sensual sophistication associated with Belle Époque advertising.

Daniel Hernández Morillo was a prominent Peruvian painter who spent much of his professional life in Paris. Known for his academic portraits, elegant female figures and highly polished technique, he contributed this composition to JOB around the turn of the 20th century. Hernández later returned to Peru and became the founding director of the National School of Fine Arts in Lima.

Combining commercial advertising with the visual refinement of academic painting and Art Nouveau, this original JOB poster is an important example of turn-of-the-century French graphic design. Its striking colours, seductive composition and association with one of the most celebrated advertising campaigns of the Belle Époque make it especially desirable for collectors of tobacco memorabilia, decorative posters and early advertising art.

Original Poster

Tobacco - Advertising

Offering Paris 1889

Cassan fils Toulouse

Good condition, one trace of fold