Created in 1897 by celebrated Czech artist Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939), Savonnerie de Bagnolet is an exquisite example of French Art Nouveau advertising, combining elaborate decorative illustration with the elegance and sophistication of Belle Époque design.
 
Originally produced to advertise the luxury toilet soaps of Alfred Schweizer's Savonnerie de Bagnolet in France, the artwork features an elegant woman in profile, adorned with an elaborate jewelled headdress and flowing auburn hair.
 
The composition is framed by intricate ornamental patterns and sweeping typography, while its warm palette of amber, copper, gold and terracotta creates a rich decorative effect. The calendar panels surrounding the central figure highlight the artwork's original function as a promotional calendar for the soap manufacturer.
Mucha's distinctive treatment of the female figure, graceful flowing lines and carefully balanced ornamental details helped establish Art Nouveau as one of the defining artistic movements of the late nineteenth century.
 
A beautiful decorative print for a bedroom, dressing room, bathroom or elegant living space, particularly appealing to collectors of Art Nouveau, vintage French advertising and Belle Époque graphic design.