This very large, colourful 1920s French poster advertisement was for a Pastis aperitif called Fap Anis. The creation of Pastis was a response to the banning of its infamous, anis-falvoured cousin, absinth in France in 1915.

The flapper enjoying a panoramic vista of the French Riviera has an equally intriguing tale. The woman is Gaby Deslys originating from Marseille (short for "Gabrielle of the Lillies"), a dancer, singer, and actress who achieved fame on two continents. During the 1910s she was exceedingly popular worldwide performing in Paris, London, New York, among others, and making $4,000 a week in the United States alone. During the 1910s she performed several times on Broadway. Her dancing was so popular that The Gaby Glide was named for her. Renowned for her beauty she was courted by several wealthy gentlemen including King Manuel II of Portugal, who was said to have given her a pearl necklace worth $70,000 (valued at more than 10 times that amount today). Gaby loved pearls and claimed before she died in 1920 that she owned a collection of them equal to her own weight.
Marseille the home of Pastis, and where Fap Anis was produced, made her a natural fit for this local girl.

Particulars: This lithographic poster has been professionally conserved and backed on acid-free linen paper (see poster and print conservation and restoration). It has minimal tears and staining in the margins, slightly retouched background creases at the upper left. Very good condition.