Balsam Aperitif Skier - D'Ylen

This very rare Balsam Aperitif poster was created in 1923 by the well-respected artist Jean D'Ylen. It promotes an aperitif made with quinquina by the Belgian distiller F.X. de Beukelaer of Anvers. The F.X. de Beukelaer Company was founded in 1863 by Francois Xavier de Beukelaer. The company is still one of Belgium's premium producers of liqueurs now best known for its Elixir D'Anvers, which is sold throughout the world. The Balsam Aperitif was a digestive liqueur made with quinquina, which combats malaria and aids digestion. The whimsical image of the brightly clad skier is a wonderful example of the artistry and appeal of Jean D'Ylen's work. Jean D'Ylen (1886 - 1938) was trained in the art of designing jewelry and was recruited by the Vercasson Printing Company to be the understudy to Leonetto Cappiello, their top designer of posters. When Cappiello left Vercasson, D'Ylen assumed the role of top designer. He was a master of combining humorous messages with well executed artwork an