Anís Del Mono (Con Una Falda De Percal Planchá) (In A Pressed Percale Skirt) Ramon Casas i Carbo (1866-1932)

The composition presents a vertically oriented scene dominated by two figures: a woman and a monkey. The woman is positioned centrally, her back largely turned towards the viewer, creating a sense of distance and mystery. She wears an elaborate white dress with intricate lace detailing, contrasted sharply against a vibrant red skirt that cascades downwards in graceful folds. Her hair is styled in an updo, adorned with what appears to be a decorative element. The woman’s posture suggests a certain elegance and refinement, yet the averted gaze prevents direct engagement.
Beside her stands a monkey, depicted in a relatively naturalistic style compared to the stylized rendering of the woman. It holds a small bottle in its hand, seemingly offering it to the woman. This interaction forms the focal point of the image, introducing an element of playful absurdity and potential commentary on human behavior or consumption. The monkey’s presence disrupts the expected formality of the scene, injecting a touch of the exotic and unexpected.
The color palette is bold and saturated, with the red and white dominating the visual field. A background of muted greens and yellows provides contrast and depth, while also contributing to an overall sense of warmth. Typography is integrated into the design, appearing in a decorative font that reinforces the promotional nature of the piece. The text appears to be layered over the figures, further emphasizing its role as advertising.
Subtleties within the image suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple advertisement. The juxtaposition of the refined woman and the playful monkey could allude to themes of civilization versus instinct, or perhaps a commentary on societal expectations and indulgence. The act of offering the bottle might symbolize temptation, luxury, or even a critique of consumerism. The pressed percale skirt mentioned in the title hints at domesticity and order, which is then playfully undermined by the presence of the monkey. Overall, the work employs visual contrasts and symbolic elements to create an intriguing and memorable image that invites multiple interpretations.