Frossard’s Cavour Cigars 1896

Georges Meunier created this advertisement for Frossard’s Cavour Cigars using lithography, a printmaking process that blurs the lines between art and mass production. Lithography relies on the simple principle that oil and water don't mix. The design is drawn with a greasy crayon onto a flat stone or metal plate. The surface is then treated so that ink adheres only to the crayon marks, allowing the image to be printed. Meunier's masterful use of this technique is evident in the poster's vibrant colors and smooth, flowing lines. Consider the social context of this image. The poster boldly proclaims “The New Woman,” linking cigar smoking with female empowerment. It challenges traditional gender roles while simultaneously promoting a product tied to leisure and consumption. By examining the materials and processes behind this advertisement, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. It reminds us that even everyday objects can be rich with artistic intention and social meaning, defying easy categorization.