Description
This magnificent original 1923 stone lithograph by Jean d’Ylen presents Balsam, an aperitif au Quinaquina produced by the historic Elixir d’Anvers distillery. The poster features a dynamically posed skier in brilliant yellow, one leg thrust skyward, clutching both a bottle and a glass against a striking dark background accented with royal blue. Created during d’Ylen’s tenure as head of the prestigious Vercasson printing house in Paris, this poster exemplifies the animated, flamboyant product personification that defined modern French advertising at its height.
Jean d’Ylen’s artistic direction at Vercasson represented a pivotal moment in French poster design—a period when the studio’s aesthetic evolved from Leonetto Cappiello’s revolutionary approach toward d’Ylen’s own distinctive interpretation of exuberant commercial imagery. This Balsam poster captures that transition perfectly: the skier’s explosive energy and the composition’s theatrical staging bear the hallmarks of Cappiello’s influence while showcasing d’Ylen’s refined command of color, movement, and human expression. The result is a poster that stands as both a tribute to its predecessor and a statement of d’Ylen’s independent mastery.
The archival preservation of this original vintage lithograph elevates its collector value considerably. Linen-backed and untrimmed at the full monumental size of 47″ x 63″, the poster retains pristine color saturation and structural integrity. The dark palette and intense blue tones have resisted fading, while the paper remains free from tears, creasing, or significant foxing. Very few examples of this spectacular d’Ylen design survive in excellent condition, making authenticated originals highly sought after by serious collectors and institutions.
Quinaquina—an aromatized wine containing cinchona bark—played an important role in European aperitif culture and pharmaceutical history during the Belle Époque and early Art Deco periods. Elixir d’Anvers, the Belgian distillery behind Balsam, was founded by François-Xavier de Beukelaer in 1863 and remains the oldest active liqueur distillery in Belgium. This poster, created 60 years into the brand’s legacy, represents both the product’s enduring prestige and the pinnacle of lithographic advertising artistry.
For collectors of authenticated French poster art and d’Ylen specialists alike, this original vintage stone lithograph is an exceptional acquisition. The combination of monumental scale, extraordinary condition, rarity, and historical significance—capturing a transformative moment in Vercasson’s artistic direction—positions this as an investment-grade piece. Backed by The Vintage Poster’s Certificate of Authenticity and three decades of expert authentication, this is advertising art of the highest caliber.
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