Anís Del Mono (Con Una Falda De Percal Planchá) (In A Pressed Percale Skirt) (1898)

Ramón Casas, a pivotal figure in the Catalan modernisme movement, brings to life a captivating piece in his 1898 painting "Anís Del Mono (Con Una Falda De Percal Planchá)" (In A Pressed Percale Skirt). In this striking work, the soft allure of Art Nouveau merges fluently with a bold advertisement approach—a testament to Casas's mastery in blending commercial and fine art.The painting features a sophisticated woman captured from behind, her figure cloaked in an elegant, sweeping skirt featuring intricate lace and floral detailing. The vibrant red of her skirt contrasts strikingly against the soft greens and neutrals of the background, drawing the viewer’s eye to the flowing lines and ornamental patterns that adorn her attire.Adding an unexpected and whimsical element to the composition is a monkey, who gently lifts a glass of Anís del Mono, a popular Spanish anise-flavored liqueur, to the woman's lips. The monkey, dressed as a butler with a playful yet precise posture, symbolizes the blend of exotic and familiar, a common theme in advertisements of the era aiming to intrigue and captivate potential consumers.This painting not only showcases Casas's refined aesthetic sensibilities and skillful use of color but also serves as a creative advertisement for Vicente Bosch's Anís del Mono liquor, as noted by the text and logos integrated seamlessly within the artwork. Despite its commercial intent, "Anís Del Mono" holds its own as a piece of art, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty and cultural richness embedded within a simple moment of indulgence.