Punch Grassot 1896

Jules Chéret created this advertisement poster for Punch Grassot using lithography, a popular method for producing vibrant, eye-catching commercial art in the late 19th century. This piece exemplifies how the female figure was deployed in advertising, often embodying ideals of beauty and sophistication to sell products. The woman, adorned in a lavish dress and hat, serves as a symbol of the aspirational lifestyle associated with enjoying "Punch Grassot." She is presented as lively and fashionable, her image carefully constructed to appeal to the desires and fantasies of the intended consumer. Yet, we must also consider the historical context of these images, recognizing how they perpetuated certain stereotypes and expectations about women's roles and appearances within a rapidly changing society. By situating this advertisement within its historical and cultural moment, we can better understand its complex relationship to issues of gender, commerce, and representation.