“As a poster designer, Meunier knew how to organize well-observed detail to create an almost musical ambiance... [with] compositions that are gravely meditative, clean and synthetic. The artist’s interest focused on bringing out opposing light and dark values within his often large, contained, flowing masses of color to support the force and veracity of his concepts” (Belle Epoque 1970, p. 68). This design for Rajah coffee is a classic of Belgian Art Nouveau poster art; it was called Meunier’s “best work” and “a masterpiece” by L’Estampe et L’Affiche in 1898 (p. 227). Appropriately, a strong coffee tone dominates the scene.
Lith. Gouweloos, Bruxelles
literature: DFP-II, 1082; Maîtres, 156; Belle Epoque 1970, 93; Belgique/Paris, 47; Weill, 95; Masters 1900, p. 91; Wine Spectator, 99; Publicité, p. 33; Graphic Design/Taschen, p. 79; PAI-LXXXIV, 373