Pastilles Géraudel 1896

This original 1896 advertising poster by Jules Chéret promotes Pastilles Géraudel, a popular French remedy for coughs and throat irritation. Published as a supplement to Le Courrier français, it transforms the straightforward slogan “If you cough, take Pastilles Géraudel” into a lively and memorable Belle Époque scene.

At the centre of the composition, an elegant young woman advances through a swirling snowstorm. Wrapped in a spectacular scarlet dress and crowned with an oversized red bow, she holds an umbrella above her head while displaying the product in her outstretched hand. Her theatrical pose, confident expression and billowing clothes convey a sense of movement that makes the entire image appear animated.

The brilliant contrast between the vivid red costume, deep blue background and scattered white snow demonstrates Chéret’s mastery of colour lithography. The large lettering in the lower section remains immediately legible, while the graceful figure draws the viewer into the scene. The harsh winter weather also provides a clever visual connection to the cough remedy being advertised.

Jules Chéret was one of the great pioneers of the modern advertising poster. His joyous female figures, often referred to as “Chérettes,” became an unmistakable feature of the Parisian streetscape. Combining theatre, fashion and popular entertainment, his posters helped transform commercial advertising into a decorative art form.

With its vibrant palette, dynamic composition and characteristic Belle Époque elegance, this original poster is an excellent example of Chéret’s influential graphic style. It will particularly appeal to collectors of French advertising, early colour lithography, Art Nouveau and historic pharmaceutical imagery.