Cigarettes Celtiques 1934

This original 1934 advertising poster by Léon Dupin was created for the French tobacco brand Cigarettes Celtiques. The composition draws upon an idealised vision of the ancient Celtic warrior, using physical strength, confidence and historical symbolism to give the product a powerful and immediately recognisable identity.

A broad-shouldered figure dominates the image, dressed in a simple dark tunic and distinguished by his long blond hair and dramatic moustache. Seated with one hand resting firmly on his hip, he calmly smokes a cigarette while presenting the open blue packet to the viewer. The pale cloud of smoke provides a soft contrast to the figure’s solid, sculptural appearance.

Dupin adopts a distinctly Art Deco approach, combining strong outlines, simplified forms and a restrained palette of burgundy, ochre, brown and black. The small blue cigarette packet becomes a carefully placed point of colour, while the bold red and black lettering ensures that the brand name remains immediately visible.

Léon Dupin was a French painter, illustrator and poster designer whose most productive advertising work dates from the interwar period. His compositions were characterised by powerful figures, clear typography and a direct visual language particularly well suited to commercial communication. This poster demonstrates his ability to combine narrative imagery with an efficient and modern graphic structure.

With its imposing character, striking typography and unmistakable 1930s aesthetic, this original poster is an excellent example of French Art Deco advertising. It will particularly appeal to collectors of historic tobacco imagery, interwar graphic design and original French commercial posters.

Original Poster

Tobacco - Art Deco - Advertising

Joseph Charles

Berger Levrault Nancy

Very good state