Soufroleine: Lotion Souveraine pour le Corps et les Cheveux
Original advertising poster on paper • Attributed to Henri Boulanger (pseudonym Henri Gray); prominent French poster artist active in the Belle Époque.
Style & Movement
Art Nouveau (Jugendstil); characterized by 'whiplash' curves, floral motifs, and organic decorative borders.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; features flat areas of color, overlapping gradients, and fine-line drawing characteristic of late 19th-century commercial printing.
Creation Period
Circa 1900 (Art Nouveau era)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 60 x 80 cm; Landscape format.
Subject Description
A promotional advertisement for a hygienic body and hair lotion. The composition features a woman with long, flowing hair looking into a hand mirror, surrounded by floral boughs and stylized typography. A glass bottle of the product is prominently displayed on the left.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible signs of aging consistent with an authentic lithographs of the period.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Commercial production in France (Paris); currently held in a private collection as indicated by the framing and modern graphite inscriptions on the lower right of the matting.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the height of the French 'Poster Mania' (Affichomanie) where commercial products were elevated through high-art aesthetics, influenced by artists like Mucha and Cheret.
Notable Features
Features distinct Art Nouveau typography and the 'cross' logo on the product bottle; includes handwritten cataloging notations on the lower border of the image/mount indicating archival or dealer history.
Condition Issues
Visible vertical light reflection (external to print), minor paper yellowing/toning due to oxidation, and potential acidity from original wooden backings if not archivally mounted.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective museum glass and acid-free mounting. Maintain in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent further paper foxing or brittleness.