Bénédictine 1907

This is "Bénédictine," a lithographic poster by Leonetto Cappiello. It's likely that he was trying to capture the excitement of the moment when the product was revealed. Looking at this, I am put in mind of the quiet before the storm—a figure clad in vibrant red holding a lamp, perched on a ledge overlooking a darkling cityscape, a bottle of liqueur beside them. The figure could be anyone. Are they waiting for someone? Thinking about what the future might hold? I imagine Cappiello, in his studio, stepping back from the easel, squinting, then adding a touch more yellow to the building lights. The light is so well captured here: the light of the lantern is in conversation with that coming from the building behind. The colors create a feeling of expectation and intimacy, drawing us into the scene. Like other poster designers, Cappiello probably wasn't thinking about posterity, but here we are, looking and thinking about it. The painting becomes a site of inquiry for both the artist and us, the viewers, each bringing our own perspectives and experiences to the conversation.