Modiano | 1929

Modiano, 1929, by Róbert Berény

This 1929 Art Deco poster by Hungarian artist Róbert Berény advertises Modiano, an Italian brand of cigarette papers. The composition features a stylized figure wearing a black wide-brimmed hat, set against a bold red and blue background. The figure's face is rendered in a simplified, geometric style, with a cigarette elegantly held between the fingers. The name "Modiano" is prominently displayed in white letters at the bottom.​

During the 1930s, cigarette consumption was often associated with glamour and modernity. Companies like Modiano capitalized on this trend by commissioning striking advertisements to attract consumers. Berény's design, with its clean lines and contrasting colours, exemplifies the Art Deco movement's emphasis on elegance and functionality.​

Róbert Berény (1887–1953) was a prominent Hungarian painter and graphic artist. He studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, where he was influenced by the works of Paul Cézanne and the Fauves. Upon returning to Hungary, Berény became a founding member of "The Eight," a group of avant-garde artists who introduced cubism and expressionism to Hungarian art. His versatility spanned from painting to applied graphics, and his contributions significantly shaped the Hungarian avant-garde movement. Notably, one of his long-lost paintings, "Sleeping Lady with Black Vase," was rediscovered in 2009 after appearing as a prop in the 1999 film "Stuart Little."