This sign, for Picon aperitif, which was and is served with beer, probably dates to the 1890’s or the first few years of 1900 and is a curious and beautiful hybrid of Art Nouveau and Orientalist elements with some mock Arabic writing down the sides and a Hand of Fatima thrown in for good measure.
Picon is a bitters of dried oranges and gentian. was concocted by Gaétan Picon, who was a distiller by trade but served as a soldier in Algiers in 1837, and must have been inspired by Algerian culture. This sign reflects the origins of the drink, even including the crescent moon and star which is part of Algeria’s flag. Made from pressed painted metal, age has added a patina and a little touch of rust and the result is an incredibly beautiful artwork which is far more wonderful for surviving the last century and picking up some wrinkles along the way. Picon beer has been around since 1837, and is still going strong, especially in country France! The frame in the bottom right hand corner with an empty space inside was probably to write a small menu or prices inside.
Just after I found this, I walked into a little curio shop and the owner asked to see what I had. When I showed him he reached down two modern Picon beer glasses and handed them to me. If you purchase this, I can send the glasses along with it.
It measures 35×45cm.
To purchase, please message me and include the title of the listing as it doesn’t automatically come across with the message.
This sign, for Picon aperitif, which was and is served with beer, probably dates to the 1890’s or the first few years of 1900 and is a curious and beautiful hybrid of Art Nouveau and Orientalist elements with some mock Arabic writing down the sides and a Hand of Fatima thrown in for good measure.
Picon is a bitters of dried oranges and gentian. was concocted by Gaétan Picon, who was a distiller by trade but served as a soldier in Algiers in 1837, and must have been inspired by Algerian culture. This sign reflects the origins of the drink, even including the crescent moon and star which is part of Algeria’s flag. Made from pressed painted metal, age has added a patina and a little touch of rust and the result is an incredibly beautiful artwork which is far more wonderful for surviving the last century and picking up some wrinkles along the way. Picon beer has been around since 1837, and is still going strong, especially in country France! The frame in the bottom right hand corner with an empty space inside was probably to write a small menu or prices inside.
Just after I found this, I walked into a little curio shop and the owner asked to see what I had. When I showed him he reached down two modern Picon beer glasses and handed them to me. If you purchase this, I can send the glasses along with it.
It measures 35×45cm.
To purchase, please message me and include the title of the listing as it doesn’t automatically come across with the message.
