{"product_id":"la-bernardine-mercier-vintage-cognac-poster-by-hans-rudi-erdt-1908","title":"La Bernardine Mercier Vintage Cognac Poster by Hans Rudi Erdt, 1908","description":"\u003cp\u003eHans Rudi Erdt’s \u003cem\u003eLa Bernardine Mercier Cognac\u003c\/em\u003e, created in 1908, gives a drinks advertisement the immediacy of a theatrical entrance. Against an uninterrupted field of hot orange, a smiling figure in a dark military-style uniform strides forward carrying two bottles, one raised prominently beside his head. The sharply outlined costume, red cap and flashes of piping stand out with remarkable clarity, while the brand name is set in emphatic black lettering above. Figure, product and typography are compressed into a single memorable sign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eErdt was a leading German graphic designer of the early twentieth century, working at a moment when European poster artists were developing a more economical language for the modern street. Rather than relying on densely illustrated scenes, designers increasingly used simplified silhouettes, concentrated colour and instantly recognisable objects. This approach was closely related to the German \u003cem\u003ePlakatstil\u003c\/em\u003e, or “poster style”, in which commercial messages were distilled into bold forms legible at a glance. Here, cognac is presented not through an elaborate drinking scene but through a jaunty uniformed character whose confident bearing lends the bottles an air of ceremony and distinction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe orange ground is more than a backdrop: it controls the entire design. With no architecture, furniture or landscape to establish a conventional setting, the figure appears almost emblematic, his dark uniform cutting across the saturated colour like a crisp paper silhouette. Subtle modelling around the face and clothing gives him enough volume to remain personable, yet Erdt largely preserves the poster’s flat, graphic character. The polished black shoe at the bottom provides a small but effective visual anchor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetails in the uniform create a lively internal rhythm. Red edging punctuates the deep blue-black fabric, while pale buttons form a bright sequence down the front. The cap repeats the warm register of the background without disappearing into it, and the smiling face is described with only a few firm lines. This economy keeps attention moving towards the bottles: one is held upright in the upper part of the composition, its label clearly displaying “Mercier-La Roche”, while the second is tilted at the lower right. Their opposing positions balance the otherwise asymmetric arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTypography is integrated into this visual hierarchy rather than treated as an afterthought. “LA BERNARDINE MERCIER COGNAC” occupies the upper area in heavy black capitals, immediately readable against the orange. Smaller lettering gathers towards the lower left and along the foot of the poster, providing company information without competing with the principal name. The shift from monumental headline to fine commercial text mirrors the viewing process: first the colour and character, then the bottles, and finally the particulars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdvertising of this period was becoming increasingly sophisticated in its understanding of brand identity. A product needed not only to be named but also to acquire a recognisable visual personality. Erdt’s design achieves this through carefully controlled contrasts: warm orange against near-black, broad areas of unbroken colour against small descriptive details, and the genial human presence of the uniformed figure against the formal authority of the lettering. The result is aspirational without becoming ornate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMade in the years before the First World War, \u003cem\u003eLa Bernardine Mercier Cognac\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to a particularly inventive phase of European commercial art, when posters were both instruments of mass communication and testing grounds for radical simplification. Its enduring interest lies in that economy. Nothing extraneous interrupts the encounter between character, label and name; every line serves the instant recognition on which effective poster design depends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing the right size and finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArtwork can feel intimate at smaller sizes and dramatically more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to see how the proportions and scale will work in your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you need an exact size, specialist framing or help planning a larger display, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop for advice\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee examples of personalised artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Original to retain the colour and character of the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer, more antique appearance. \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/pages\/sepia-aged-maps\"\u003eSee examples of our Aged artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is produced to archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte art paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or framed canvas using the finish options above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFramed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, lower weight and safer delivery than glass. Each piece arrives professionally framed and ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSelected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640724357511,"sku":null,"price":27.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640724390279,"sku":null,"price":64.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640724423047,"sku":null,"price":75.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640724455815,"sku":null,"price":27.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640724488583,"sku":null,"price":64.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640724521351,"sku":null,"price":75.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640724554119,"sku":null,"price":42.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640724586887,"sku":null,"price":113.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640724619655,"sku":null,"price":119.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640724652423,"sku":null,"price":42.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640724685191,"sku":null,"price":113.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640724717959,"sku":null,"price":119.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640724750727,"sku":null,"price":61.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640724783495,"sku":null,"price":140.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640724816263,"sku":null,"price":151.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640724849031,"sku":null,"price":68.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640724881799,"sku":null,"price":162.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640724914567,"sku":null,"price":173.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640724947335,"sku":null,"price":68.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640724980103,"sku":null,"price":162.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725012871,"sku":null,"price":173.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725045639,"sku":null,"price":83.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725078407,"sku":null,"price":221.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725111175,"sku":null,"price":238.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725143943,"sku":null,"price":90.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725176711,"sku":null,"price":248.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725209479,"sku":null,"price":270.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725242247,"sku":null,"price":90.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725275015,"sku":null,"price":248.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725307783,"sku":null,"price":270.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725340551,"sku":null,"price":119.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725373319,"sku":null,"price":330.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725406087,"sku":null,"price":330.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725438855,"sku":null,"price":119.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725471623,"sku":null,"price":330.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725504391,"sku":null,"price":330.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725537159,"sku":null,"price":156.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725569927,"sku":null,"price":828.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725602695,"sku":null,"price":779.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725635463,"sku":null,"price":200.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725668231,"sku":null,"price":995.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725700999,"sku":null,"price":936.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725733767,"sku":null,"price":270.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725766535,"sku":null,"price":1515.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725799303,"sku":null,"price":1407.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67640725832071,"sku":null,"price":449.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67640725864839,"sku":null,"price":2029.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67640725897607,"sku":null,"price":1894.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_6493da8c-0e7d-44fd-a5fe-1543a5dbdafa.jpg?v=1791305003","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.eu\/products\/la-bernardine-mercier-vintage-cognac-poster-by-hans-rudi-erdt-1908","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}