Los Cigarrillos Paris son los mejores* by Alfons Mucha

The rise of graphic arts at the turn of the century is intimately linked to the revolutionary compositions of the master Alphonse Mucha for Art Nouveau. In this cropped version of a promotional poster, the artwork title “Los Cigarrillos Paris son los mejores” harmonizes with bold and colorful graphics. Through this creation, the artist redefines the codes of visual communication by associating feminine seduction with Byzantine-inspired ornamental refinement.

The bust of a beauty queen is proudly displayed, her left hand raised to her face in a pose full of mystery and confidence. Her head is crowned with deep purple irises mixed with a tiara of pearls and sparkling gems. She holds a lit cigarette in her right hand, letting escape a thin stream of bluish smoke that crosses the scene diagonally. A large golden circle carrying the Spanish advertising inscription surrounds her silhouette, standing out against a background of red bricks arranged in an arched mosaic. Her gold chain chest jewelry and colored gems add a touch of exoticism and luxury under a bright light that sculpts her shoulders.

The poster artist’s virtuosity is expressed in the meticulous treatment of jewelry ornaments and the sharpness of flat colors. Mucha uses dark, firm outlines to give exceptional readability to the scene. This work illustrates the technical perfection and keen sense of detail that characterize his posters.