The artwork titled “Bénédictine” is a lithograph created by artist Alphonse Mucha in 1898. This work is part of the Art Nouveau movement and was designed as an advertisement. It measures approximately 205.7 x 77 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
The lithograph by Alphonse Mucha showcases distinct characteristics of the Art Nouveau style, with flowing lines, organic forms, and ornamental elements. In the center, the piece prominently features a bottle of Bénédictine liqueur framed by a sophisticated architectural backdrop reminiscent of a church window, emphasizing the product’s monastic connection. Flanking the bottle are two ethereal female figures draped in classical gowns, exuding an aura of grace and elegance; one holds a sprig of flowers while the other calmly reads a book. These figures embody the typical Mucha woman, serene and stylized, with a decorative halo of flowers in their hair. The image has a strong vertical orientation, while the decorative elements and text are seamlessly integrated to blend advertisement and artistry. At the bottom of the lithograph, there’s a panoramic depiction of a landscape or cityscape, adding a sense of place and origin to the piece. The signature of Alphonse Mucha can be found at the bottom of the artwork, affirming its authenticity and the artist’s involvement in commercial art during his prolific career.
