Cacao Van Houten 1897

Editor: Here we have Henri Privat-Livemont’s 1897 poster, “Cacao Van Houten”. It's just lovely! The colors are so soft, almost dreamlike, and the woman looks absolutely radiant, like a goddess of chocolate! How do you interpret this work? Curator: Isn’t it enchanting? It pulls you into a world where pleasure is elevated to an art form. Privat-Livemont really captured the Art Nouveau spirit, didn’t he? Look at the sinuous lines, the idealized woman, the way even the steam rising from the cup becomes a decorative element. He's not just selling cocoa, he’s selling a feeling. Do you notice how the woman's gaze avoids direct eye contact? Editor: Yes, she seems lost in thought, savoring the moment. The chrysanthemums in her hair, are they symbolic at all? Curator: Absolutely. In that era, they symbolized opulence and well-being, adding to the sense of luxury that Van Houten wanted to convey. The fact that the advertisement includes "le meilleur chocolat a consommer liquide"—best chocolate for liquid consumption—gives it a high society aura. One wonders if these chocolate beverages actually tasted that decadent, or if it was marketing genius? Editor: Probably a bit of both! It's fascinating how much they could communicate in a single image. I used to think ads were all the same. Curator: It’s easy to dismiss them, but when they’re done with this much artistry, they become a window into a culture’s dreams. These ads, they show you what people desire. Next time I crave hot cocoa I'll consider my aspirations too.