Delftsche Slaolie
Delftsche Slaolie    1894
95 x 54 cm 
Lithography 
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam 
 
The best-known example of Dutch Art Nouveau is the poster designed by Jan Toorop in 1894 for 'Delftsche Slaolie' (Delft Salad Oil). The litho was printed in various colour combinations. The heading makes it clear that the subject is salad oil, as do the bottles on either side of the text. Underneath are the crowned arms of the manufacturer, with a decorative pattern using peanuts on the left. The larger part of the poster is taken up by two female figures with long hair and long gowns. One sits and dresses salad in a large dish, the other lifts her gaze and hands upwards. In this way Toorop elevates preparing salad to the level of an almost mystic rite. Not an inch is left uncovered in the decorative design.