The artwork, entitled “An Old Man in Night-clothes Holding up a Box of ‘uricure’ Pi,” is a creation of the artist Leonetto Cappiello, a prominent figure in the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The piece belongs to the genre of posters and advertisements.
In this vibrant and dynamic composition, an elderly man dressed in bright red night-clothes is depicted holding up a box of “Uricure” with an expression of joy and satisfaction. He is set against a stark black background, which accentuates the vividness of his attire and the product he is advertising. The bold, yellow text at the top prominently spells out “URICURE,” drawing immediate attention to the product’s name. Additional text in Spanish below the figure promotes the remedy’s availability in major drugstores and pharmacies, and informs potential customers of its use for ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and others. The overall effect is both eye-catching and indicative of the distinctive stylings of Art Nouveau, characterized by its use of sharp contrasts and flowing, spontaneous forms.
