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 only thing that makes clear this is an advertisement is the heading on top, with a picture of the bottle on either side. The two stylized women, wearing exuberant dresses dominate the image. The lady on the left pours oil on the salad, the one on the right points at the peanuts which form the ingredients for the oil. Centered among the curves is the weapon of the manufacturer and the hair of both women, which fills the larger part of the image. Not an inch is left uncovered. In this poster Toorop elevates preparing salad to the level of a mystic rite. This poster became so popular that ever since Art-nouveau style is known as Salad-Oil-style in the Netherlands. Lennart, thanks for the suggestion :)
Delftsche Slaolie
lithography • 95 x 54 cm