Plate: PL. 104

"Absinthe, a potent drink made from wormwood, was sometimes referred to as 'the green fairy' for it's colour and it's hallucinogenic properties. The artist therefore puts a green tinge on his whole design and evokes the intoxicating effect in a mysterious Art-Nouveau pattern that's half vegetable, half vapour. The sheerly veiled woman seems to be checking the drink she has mixed for colour and texture. An excellent example of female sensuality used in the service of commerce." (Gold p.32)

By it's immense beauty and it's infamous product, this particular poster has become one of the very most sought after of the Maitre de l'Affiche series. (Other Absinthe posters, see PL.135) It has recently fetched close to $2000.

"Livemont was the foremost Belgian practitioner of the Art Nouveau style. His posters invite comparison to Mucha, but it should be remembered that he had already produced several posters by the time Mucha created his first. Above all, Livemont was a skilled lithographer, a quality evident in the subtle colour gradations and detail of this sensual poster" (Rennert XXIX-454)