c.1920 Cigarettes Saphir by Stephano French Tobacco Advertising Surrealism

Date: c.1920
Artist: Stephano 
Size (in): 47.5” x 31.7”
Size (cm): 120.7 x 80.5
Condition: A-
Linen backed: Yes

This striking vintage original French poster advertising Cigarettes Saphir dates to around 1920 and was printed by Moullot of Marseille.  The artist’s name Stephano, of whom we know little, is signed in the image.  This poster features a really amazing almost surreal image of smoke billowing up from a large hookah forming into the shape of a woman in turban who herself smokes a cigarette above the title Cigarettes Saphir.  This poster design seems influenced by the Surrealism art movement that emerged in Europe in the immediate aftermath of WWI around the time this poster was issued.   

This vintage original poster has been professionally linen backed with minimal expert touchup to a couple short tears on the edges.    Overall condition is very good.