Ce que l’on boit l’absinthe
1880
Edmond Morin’s 1880 illustration creates a dramatic visual story about the infamous 'Green Fairy.' On the left, a peaceful mountain landscape depicts the natural habitat of wormwood, the key ingredient in absinthe, growing by a serene lake. However, follow the arching text 'L'ABSINTHE' to the right side, and the mood shifts drastically to a dimly lit café where a man has slumped over a table, completely overcome by the drink. This stark contrast served as a powerful social warning during the late 19th century, highlighting the danger of the liquor just years before France would ban it entirely.
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