E. Moreau & Fils, Parfumeurs à Paris 1800 - 1900

This is a promotional poster for E. Moreau & Fils, Parfumeurs à Paris, created anonymously with graphite and watercolor. The poster presents a visually arresting composition, structured around a central oval frame. The floral motifs and industrial vignettes create a dialogue between nature and industry, typical of the period. Consider how the typography functions within the design. The bold lettering of "E. Moreau & Fils" is rendered with a drop shadow effect, giving it a three-dimensional quality, while the delicate script of "Parfumeurs à Paris" adds an element of refinement. Note how the artist uses color to structure the elements and to create a sense of depth. The poster operates as a semiotic system, where each element—the flowers, the factory scenes, the typography—functions as a signifier. These signs come together to create a narrative around the brand, associating it with both the beauty of nature and the modernity of industrial Paris. This play between contrasting elements emphasizes the complex interplay between art, commerce, and cultural values.