{"product_id":"the-connoisseur-vintage-drinks-advertising-poster-1887","title":"The Connoisseur Vintage Drinks Advertising Poster, 1887","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Connoisseur\u003c\/em\u003e, produced by the American firm Wilson, Wagner \u0026amp; Co. in 1887, turns the pleasures of the table into a genial comic encounter. A broadly smiling gentleman in a pale grey suit raises his glass in salute, while beside him stands an improbably attentive horned goat, dressed in a server’s apron and bearing a tray of pretzels. Warm orange, cream and earthy brown tones give the scene an enveloping glow, while the elaborate conceit and polished presentation place it firmly within the exuberant world of late nineteenth-century beverage advertising.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy the 1880s, richly coloured commercial graphics had become an increasingly conspicuous part of public visual culture. Firms such as Wilson, Wagner \u0026amp; Co. drew upon advances in printing and design to create advertisements capable of attracting attention through bold colour, ornamental detail and memorable characters. Here, the cultivated associations of the title are treated with humour: the gentleman appears every inch the discriminating drinker, yet his companion transforms the ritual of connoisseurship into a playful theatrical performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is built around an asymmetrical exchange. Seated on the left, the man turns towards the goat and lifts his glass, drawing attention to the bright highlight upon its surface. His open expression, rounded posture and neatly tailored clothing establish an atmosphere of expansive good cheer. The goat occupies the right-hand side with surprising dignity, its prominent horns curving above a carefully described face. This pairing of recognisable social manners with an anthropomorphic animal gives the poster its distinctive comic energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall details reinforce the advertisement’s appeal to appetite and sociability. The goat’s apron falls in soft, shaded folds and carries commercial lettering, while the circular tray is set with crisply delineated pretzels. Highlights in the animal’s fur and on the raised glass stand out against the muted warmth of the surrounding colour. Crimson accents sharpen the otherwise harmonious range of orange, beige and brown, directing the eye between the drinker, his refreshment and the attentive server.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBehind the figures, faint architectural forms suggest a city or leisure setting without competing with the foreground action. Their softness creates a shallow atmospheric distance, making the principal characters appear more immediate. At the foot of the design, “THE CONNOISSEUR” is presented in an elegant serif typeface. The lettering gives the humorous scene the composure of a formal title, balancing caricature with the visual language of refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLate nineteenth-century advertising often borrowed the codes of illustration, theatre and social portraiture, turning ordinary products into compact narratives. Rather than presenting a beverage in isolation, \u003cem\u003eThe Connoisseur\u003c\/em\u003e constructs a recognisable world of leisure, service and cultivated taste. Its animal waiter adds the essential element of spectacle: amusing enough to linger in the memory, yet sufficiently detailed and polished to sustain the product’s associations with hospitality and enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is characteristic of a period in which commercial imagery could be both direct and highly decorative. Its message is readily grasped, but the poster rewards closer attention through facial expression, costume, typography and the careful staging of the tray and glass. What remains especially engaging is the contrast between the gentleman’s self-possessed toast and the absurd solemnity of his companion—a neatly judged blend of elegance and visual comedy.\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=\"\/de\/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=\"\/de\/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=\"\/de\/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=\"\/de\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/de\/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":67631784624519,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631784657287,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631784690055,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631784722823,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631784755591,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631784788359,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631784821127,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631784853895,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631784886663,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631784919431,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631784952199,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631784984967,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785017735,"sku":null,"price":57.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785050503,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785083271,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785116039,"sku":null,"price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785148807,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785181575,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785214343,"sku":null,"price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785247111,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785279879,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785312647,"sku":null,"price":77.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785345415,"sku":null,"price":205.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785378183,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785410951,"sku":null,"price":84.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785443719,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785476487,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785509255,"sku":null,"price":84.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785542023,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785574791,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785607559,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785640327,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785673095,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785705863,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785738631,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785771399,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785804167,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785836935,"sku":null,"price":765.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785869703,"sku":null,"price":720.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631785902471,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631785935239,"sku":null,"price":920.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631785968007,"sku":null,"price":865.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631786000775,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631786033543,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631786066311,"sku":null,"price":1300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":67631786099079,"sku":null,"price":415.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":67631786131847,"sku":null,"price":1875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":67631786164615,"sku":null,"price":1750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_dfed8074-2749-4dc4-b3d5-e078b9bf55e0.jpg?v=1791228986","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co.uk\/de\/products\/the-connoisseur-vintage-drinks-advertising-poster-1887","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}