Orangina Light c1988 French Beverage Advertising Poster, Bernard Villemot

This striking c1988 Orangina Light French advertising poster by the celebrated graphic artist Bernard Villemot showcases the unmistakable elegance and refined minimalism that defined his career. With its bold curves, sun-drenched palette, and fashion-inspired silhouette, the artwork perfectly encapsulates Villemot’s ability to blend sensuality with sophisticated brand identity. The model’s dramatic hat, echoing the shape and colour of a glowing orange slice, draws the eye instantly—an iconic visual metaphor for Orangina’s refreshing citrus character.

Bernard Villemot (1911–1989) is widely regarded as one of the greatest poster artists of the 20th century. Known for his fluid lines, striking use of negative space, and rich yet controlled colour, Villemot created memorable advertising campaigns for major brands such as Perrier, Bally, Air France, and of course, Orangina. His posters are celebrated for elevating commercial art to a modern art form, and original examples like this remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

The Orangina brand, founded in the 1930s, is renowned for its naturally pulpy citrus drink and instantly recognisable bulb-shaped bottle. By the 1980s, Orangina had become a symbol of light-hearted sophistication and Mediterranean flair. Villemot’s long-running collaboration with the brand produced some of the most iconic beverage posters of the era, blending playful imagery with polished graphic style.

This original c1988 lithograph is a standout piece of late-20th-century French advertising—vibrant, stylish, and irresistibly timeless. Perfect for collectors of design history, beverage memorabilia, or modern interior décor, it remains a quintessential example of Villemot’s masterful visual language.

▼France has a long and rich history in poster design that dates back to the mid-19th century.... CLICK TO READ MORE

One of the most influential figures in the development of vintage posters was the French poster artist Jules Chéret. Around 1866, Chéret is credited with producing the first colour lithograph posters, using a technique he refined from the black and white process first invented by German actor and playwright Alois Senefelder in 1798. Cheret's three stone lithographic process allowed artists to achieve every colour in the rainbow using just three stones - usually red, yellow and blue - printed in careful registration.

The Parisian artists, headed by Cheret and including masters Steinlen, Willette, Grasset, Bonnard, Forain and, last but certainly not least, Toulouse-Lautrec's vibrant and eye-catching designs influenced, in part, by Japanese Woodcuts brought a new level of visual appeal to the streets of Paris and, in turn, established the poster as an art form.

The Belle Époque (Beautiful Era), a period of peace and frivolity in France from the late 19th to the early 20th century (1870-1914), played a significant role in the continued advancement of poster design. This era coincided with economic growth and the rise of a new middle class with disposable income and leisure time. It was during this time that the poster craze took hold in France, with posters being used for advertising various products, events, and entertainment.

Over the decades that followed from these auspicious beginnings French poster design continued to flourish and designers from around the world followed suit in experimenting with poster design for advertisements for cultural events, travel, film, food and drink and more.

This original vintage beverage advertising poster has been professionally linen-backed and is sized 22 3/8 x 61 3/4 (plus a little more including the linen-backing). It will be sent rolled (unframed).

• Year: c1988
  
• Poster Type: French Advertising Poster
  
• Style: -
• Art By: Bernard Villemot
  
• Rolled/Folded/Other: Rolled Linen-backed
  
• Condition: Near Mint/Mint
  
• Condition Details: Originally rolled, now professionally linen-backed with no visible touch-up. Looks superb.