About the Artist
Eli Lilly & Company is an American pharmaceutical firm that, by the 1910s, had established itself as a leader in scientific manufacturing and innovation. The company was known for its commitment to quality and for using sophisticated commercial graphics to communicate with pharmacists, chemists, and laboratories. Their visual materials reflected both their technical expertise and their desire to build trust in an era of rapid scientific advancement.
The Artwork
Produced in 1919, this advertising poster was designed to promote Lilly Solvets, a line of standardized laboratory solvents. At a time when accuracy and reproducibility were becoming essential in pharmaceutical and laboratory work, such products represented the new standards of reliability. The poster not only advertised a product but also embodied the broader movement toward professionalization and standardization in early twentieth-century science and medicine.
Style & Characteristics
The artwork features a precise arrangement of glass vials, each with a distinct label and color, set against a clean, neutral background. The composition is structured and methodical, echoing the orderliness valued in laboratory environments. Clear, classic typography and bright primary colors lend the poster a sense of clarity and optimism, while the overall design is both functional and visually appealing, characteristic of early modern industrial advertising.
In Interior Design
This vintage science poster is well-suited to spaces that celebrate curiosity and craftsmanship, such as home offices, studios, or kitchens. It pairs seamlessly with other science prints or can be combined with vintage advertising posters for a cohesive display. For a harmonious palette, consider echoing the poster's yellow accents with yellow decor elements. Its archival charm complements minimalist, mid-century, and industrial interiors alike.
