PRIVAT LIVEMONT - Absinthe Robette

THE ARTWORK

Absinthe Robette (1896) by Privat Livemont is one of the most iconic Art Nouveau posters, renowned for its elegance and striking design. Created to advertise the popular absinthe liqueur, the poster features a graceful, ethereal woman holding up a glass of absinthe as if making an offering. Livemont’s typical Art Nouveau style shines through in the fluid lines, delicate detailing, and soft color palette, with shades of green, gold, and white dominating the composition.

The figure’s flowing gown, radiant hair, and serene expression exemplify the idealized feminine beauty often seen in Art Nouveau art. Surrounding the central figure are organic, floral patterns that enhance the poster’s decorative appeal.

Absinthe Robette perfectly encapsulates Livemont’s ability to blend commercial intent with artistic sophistication, making the poster not just an advertisement but also a celebrated work of art. It remains a symbol of both the absinthe craze and the artistic innovations of the Belle Époque.

THE ARTIST

Privat Antoine Théodore Livemont (1861–1936) was a Belgian artist and lithographer renowned for his contributions to the Art Nouveau movement, particularly through his iconic poster designs. Livemont began his artistic training in Brussels and worked as a painter and decorator before finding his niche in commercial poster art. His work is distinguished by its elegant, flowing lines, intricate detailing, and a strong focus on depicting graceful, idealized female figures, a hallmark of the Art Nouveau style.

Livemont’s posters, often advertising products such as beverages, theatrical performances, and cosmetics, are celebrated for their vibrant use of color and decorative elements, like floral patterns and ornamental borders. His most famous work includes posters for brands such as Absinthe Robette and Job Cigarettes, where his ability to blend beauty with commercial appeal became highly evident. The women in his posters, often depicted in soft, flowing garments, embody the aesthetic ideals of the time, characterized by natural forms and a sense of refinement.

While his career flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Livemont’s work has been somewhat overshadowed by contemporaries like Alphonse Mucha. However, he remains an important figure in Art Nouveau poster design, known for his harmonious compositions and ability to merge artistry with advertising.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit