{"product_id":"biscuits-lefevre-utile-by-alphonse-mucha-1896","title":"Biscuits Lefèvre-Utile by Alphonse Mucha, 1896","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlphonse Mucha’s \u003cem\u003eBiscuits Lefèvre-Utile\u003c\/em\u003e, created in 1896, turns an advertisement for biscuits into an elaborate study in line, ornament and cultivated appetite. An elegant woman with abundant golden hair holds a plate of neatly arranged rectangular biscuits, her pale, flowing gown set against a warm field of pink, soft yellow, tan and muted gold. Below her, a fan-shaped calendar marked “1897” spreads across the composition, its radiating lines balancing the figure’s cascading hair and drapery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe poster belongs to the period in which Mucha, a Czech artist working in Paris, helped define the graphic language now closely associated with Art Nouveau. His designs brought together commercial lettering, idealised figures and dense botanical decoration, treating the advertisement as a unified composition rather than a picture with text added afterwards. For Lefèvre-Utile—the French biscuit manufacturer known by the initials LU—such imagery gave an everyday product the atmosphere of refinement and modern metropolitan taste. The calendar element also made the design useful beyond the immediate act of advertising, keeping the company’s name in view throughout the coming year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe woman occupies the central foreground but does not stand rigidly within it. Her body is displaced slightly to one side, while her hair, dress and surrounding flourishes travel in long, curving rhythms across the poster. Red and green notes in her floral headdress punctuate the otherwise restrained palette; below, individual curls catch pale highlights before merging with the ornamental lines around her. The gown is handled in subtle variations of cream and white, allowing its folds to remain visible without interrupting the overall softness of the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate provides the composition’s most literal statement of purpose. Its orderly biscuits contrast with the looseness of the figure’s hair and fabric, making the advertised goods immediately legible amid the decorative abundance. Above, the Lefèvre-Utile name is given prominence in a decorative serif typeface, held within a structured upper register and framed by slender golden borders. Plant-like forms curl in from the upper left, while lighter swirls and patterns soften the area to the right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the bottom, the calendar fan introduces a second visual centre. “1897” is placed prominently among the names of the months, and the fine parallel divisions of the fan create a measured graphic rhythm. Its circular geometry echoes the curves of hair, shoulder and drapery, yet supplies the design with an underlying order. Mucha’s stylised signature appears at the lower left, integrated into the surrounding ornament rather than isolated from it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the 1890s, illustrated posters became a conspicuous part of Parisian street culture, promoting performers, products and fashionable entertainments through increasingly ambitious graphic design. Mucha’s distinctive contribution was to make the female figure, typography and border ornament operate as parts of the same decorative system. His elongated formats, sinuous contours and intricately patterned grounds became so recognisable that the contemporary phrase \u003cem\u003ele style Mucha\u003c\/em\u003e was used to describe the visual phenomenon surrounding his work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBiscuits Lefèvre-Utile\u003c\/em\u003e demonstrates how readily that language could serve commerce without losing its formal sophistication. The product remains plainly visible, but it is embedded within a carefully orchestrated world of flowers, fabric, warm colour and elegant lettering. The result is both persuasive advertising and a particularly revealing example of Belle Époque visual culture, when the boundaries between applied design and gallery art were being productively redrawn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing the right size and finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArtwork can feel intimate at smaller sizes and dramatically more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to see how the proportions and scale will work in your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you need an exact size, specialist framing or help planning a larger display, \u003ca href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop for advice\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. \u003ca href=\"\/de\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee examples of personalised artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Original to retain the colour and character of the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer, more antique appearance. \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/de\/pages\/sepia-aged-maps\"\u003eSee examples of our Aged artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is produced to archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte art paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or framed canvas using the finish options above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFramed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, lower weight and safer delivery than glass. Each piece arrives professionally framed and ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSelected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/de\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909155712,"sku":null,"price":227.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909188480,"sku":null,"price":545.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978909221248,"sku":null,"price":636.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909254016,"sku":null,"price":227.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909286784,"sku":null,"price":545.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978909319552,"sku":null,"price":636.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909352320,"sku":null,"price":354.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909385088,"sku":null,"price":953.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978909417856,"sku":null,"price":998.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909450624,"sku":null,"price":354.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909483392,"sku":null,"price":953.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978909516160,"sku":null,"price":998.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909548928,"sku":null,"price":518.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909581696,"sku":null,"price":1180.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978909614464,"sku":null,"price":1271.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909647232,"sku":null,"price":572.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909680000,"sku":null,"price":1361.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978909712768,"sku":null,"price":1452.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909745536,"sku":null,"price":572.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909778304,"sku":null,"price":1361.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978909811072,"sku":null,"price":1452.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909843840,"sku":null,"price":699.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909876608,"sku":null,"price":1860.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978909909376,"sku":null,"price":1996.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978909942144,"sku":null,"price":763.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978909974912,"sku":null,"price":2087.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978910007680,"sku":null,"price":2268.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978910040448,"sku":null,"price":763.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978910073216,"sku":null,"price":2087.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978910105984,"sku":null,"price":2268.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978910138752,"sku":null,"price":998.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978910171520,"sku":null,"price":2767.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978910204288,"sku":null,"price":2767.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978910237056,"sku":null,"price":998.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978910269824,"sku":null,"price":2767.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978910302592,"sku":null,"price":2767.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978910335360,"sku":null,"price":1316.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978910368128,"sku":null,"price":6940.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978910400896,"sku":null,"price":6532.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978910433664,"sku":null,"price":1679.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978910466432,"sku":null,"price":8347.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978910499200,"sku":null,"price":7848.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978910531968,"sku":null,"price":2268.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978910564736,"sku":null,"price":12701.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978910597504,"sku":null,"price":11794.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59978910630272,"sku":null,"price":3765.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59978910663040,"sku":null,"price":17010.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59978910695808,"sku":null,"price":15876.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_eb65899e-a8a5-4b76-8bdb-6bf1c4868af5.jpg?v=1790453653","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co\/de\/products\/biscuits-lefevre-utile-by-alphonse-mucha-1896","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}