Description
This certified authentic original Laurens cigarette advertising poster is a museum-quality turn-of-the-century chromolithograph showcasing exceptional artistic composition and historical significance. Printed by George Schlegel Lithograph Co., this striking portrait features a distinguished gentleman with a beard and refined facial features adorned in royal regalia, complete with a ceremonial sash across his chest. The visual hierarchy and color palette—rich golds, deep reds, and controlled earth tones—communicate luxury positioning unmistakably. Founded in 1887 in Alexandria, Egypt, the Cigarettes Laurens brand has positioned itself as the premium choice for discerning collectors and connoisseurs. This particular execution represents the height of Belle Époque advertising artistry, in which brand prestige was conveyed through association with nobility and aristocratic refinement.
Specifications & Authenticity
✓ Certified Authentic Original – Not a reproduction; verified linen-backed lithograph from the 1890s
✓ Rare Condition – Difficult to locate today in excellent condition; museum-quality preservation
✓ Provenance-Verified – IVPDA certified dealer authentication; Certificate of Authenticity included
✓ Masterful Lithography – George Schlegel Lithograph Co. technical execution; hand-drawn stone registration marks visible
Physical Details
- Medium: Chromolithograph (color lithograph process)
- Artist/Printer: George Schlegel Lithograph Co.
- Dimensions: 13.5 × 17.75 inches
- Date: 1890s (original printing period)
- Mounting: Linen-backed for structural integrity and preservation
- Condition: Excellent; ready to frame
Historical Context & Collectibility
The Laurens brand represents an overlooked chapter in late-19th-century advertising history. Egyptian tobacco—positioned as exotically superior to European equivalents—became the status symbol of Belle Époque society. This advertising poster exemplifies how luxury brands use visual storytelling and aristocratic association to justify premium pricing. The lithographic medium itself represents the cutting edge of mass-production printing technology in the 1880s-1890s. Collectors of cigarette advertising, vintage tobacco ephemera, and turn-of-the-century luxury brand history specifically seek out Laurens examples due to rarity and artistic merit.
Framing & Display
Presented in an acid-free 16 × 20″ mat suitable for standard framing. The poster’s balanced composition and color palette complement both traditional period frames and contemporary gallery settings. Archival-quality presentation recommended to preserve investment value.
About The Vintage Poster
Operating 28+ years as an IVPDA-certified vintage poster dealer, The Vintage Poster specializes in authenticated original vintage advertising art for serious collectors. Every poster in inventory undergoes rigorous provenance verification and condition assessment. We stand behind all descriptions and condition ratings. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.