Job Cigarettes

Alphonse Mucha made this poster for Job cigarette rolling papers in 1896. Originally titled "La Femme Blonde" (The Blonde Woman), it became one of the most recognizable images of the Art Nouveau movement. The design shows an elegant woman with flowing hair that spirals around her, wrapping with the word "JOB" in a decorative circle above her head.

The composition features Mucha's signature style: organic curved lines, elaborate floral patterns, and gold and white color harmonies. F. Champenois in Paris printed the original lithograph in two editions. The popular version sold for 3 francs, while a deluxe edition commanded higher prices. Both sold so well that people bought copies to hang as art rather than advertisements.

Mucha became famous almost overnight in 1895 when his poster for actress Sarah Bernhardt appeared around Paris. His work for Job cemented his reputation. The company commissioned several artists, including Jules Chéret, but Mucha's posters remain the most collected. In the 1960s, Art Nouveau experienced a revival, and Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley reinterpreted Mucha's Job poster with psychedelic effects for the rock music scene.