#41432 Coles Phillips

The composition presents a promotional advertisement for Mulsified Cocoanut Oil Shampoo. Here we observe a young woman reclining within a white bathtub, her posture suggesting relaxation and indulgence. Her hair, rendered in vibrant shades of red and orange, cascades across the waters surface, drawing immediate attention to the product’s intended effect. The artist has positioned her head slightly tilted back, creating an air of serene beauty and inviting the viewer into this private moment.
The setting is a tiled bathroom, the green-and-white square tiles contributing to a sense of cleanliness and domesticity – a common aspiration for consumers in the early 20th century. The placement of two ornate faucets above the tub reinforces the image of luxury and refinement. Below the bathtub, prominent displays of the shampoo bottles flank the central text block. These bottles are meticulously detailed, showcasing labels that provide information about the product’s composition and purported benefits.
The textual elements accompanying the visual imagery are crucial to understanding the advertisements purpose. The copy emphasizes the shampoo’s ability to enhance hair beauty through natural wave and color, promising a soft and luxurious result. Phrases like Proper Shampooing and discriminating women use” suggest that this product caters to a specific demographic – those seeking refinement and sophistication.
Subtly, the advertisement leverages prevailing societal ideals of femininity and domesticity. The woman’s relaxed posture and beautiful hair are presented as desirable qualities attainable through the use of the advertised shampoo. The image constructs a narrative where beauty and well-being are intrinsically linked to consumerism, specifically to the acquisition of this particular product. The overall effect is one of aspirational marketing – a promise of enhanced beauty and refined living achieved through simple indulgence.