Jambon Villette – Theatrical French Food Advertising by Jean d’Ylen

Bring the playful spirit of 1920s French advertising into your kitchen or dining space with Jambon Villette – Celui de la Présidence, a striking 1924 poster by celebrated commercial illustrator Jean d’Ylen. Featuring a leaping theatrical character, an oversized serving platter, and prominently displayed packaged ham, the design transforms a traditional food product into a lively visual spectacle.

Against a deep-black background, a Pierrot-like character dressed in vivid yellow emerges energetically from an opened tin of Jambon Villette. The figure balances an enormous silver platter laden with a generous ham, neatly arranged slices, and an oversized carving knife and fork.

The character’s ruffled collar, fitted cap, extended stride, and exaggerated pose introduce the energy of the theater and circus into the advertisement. The impossible balancing act creates humor and movement while ensuring that the sliced ham remains the central focus.

Beneath the figure, the open metal container displays a richly colored Jambon Villette label featuring an image of the product. Monumental yellow lettering announces JAMBON VILLETTE, while the red phrase “Celui de la Présidence”—approximately “The one of the Presidency”—presents the ham as a prestigious and distinguished choice.

D’Ylen’s use of brilliant yellow, red, silver, green, and warm pink against a black field reflects the dramatic advertising approach associated with his work. This imaginative culinary poster makes a memorable addition to kitchens, delicatessens, butcher shops, French restaurants, cafés, bistros, culinary schools, and collections devoted to vintage food packaging.

Why Collectors Love This Print

Created by celebrated advertising artist Jean d’Ylen
Historic 1924 advertisement for Jambon Villette
Features a theatrical Pierrot-inspired character
Dynamic leaping pose creates energy and humor
Oversized platter presents a carved ham and slices
Includes a large vintage knife and serving fork
Open product tin displays the original brand label
Strong black, yellow, red, silver, and green palette
Includes the slogan “Celui de la Présidence”
Excellent example of 1920s French commercial art
Ideal artwork for kitchens and dining rooms
Distinctive décor for butcher shops and delicatessens
Appealing wall art for French cafés and bistros
Unique gift for chefs and charcuterie enthusiasts
Museum-grade reproduction from Yesterday’s Posters

Available Print & Display Options

Fine Art Prints
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Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
Black Floater Frame Canvas
White Floater Frame Canvas
Brown Floater Frame Canvas
Natural Floater Frame Canvas
Metal Prints

Choose an unframed fine-art print for traditional presentation or select a framed print, gallery-wrapped canvas, floater-frame canvas, or metal print for a theatrical, ready-to-display culinary centerpiece.

Artwork Details

Title: Jambon Villette – Celui de la Présidence
Artist: Jean d’Ylen
Date: 1924
Country of Origin: France
Historic Brand: Jambon Villette
Product Advertised: Packaged ham
Original Language: French
Slogan: Celui de la Présidence
Subject: Pierrot-like figure leaping from a ham tin while carrying a serving platter
Notable Imagery: Carved ham, sliced meat, silver platter, carving knife, serving fork, and branded container
Style: Vintage French advertising, theatrical commercial illustration, early Art Deco
Primary Colors: Black, golden yellow, scarlet red, silver-gray, dark green, pink, and white
Mood: Playful, prestigious, theatrical, and energetic
Recommended Spaces: Kitchens, dining rooms, French restaurants, bistros, butcher shops, delicatessens, culinary schools, and vintage-inspired interiors

Disclaimer

This artwork is a Museum Grade Reproduction of a Historical advertising poster.

This decorative reproduction is not an original antique lithograph. Minor differences in color, texture, scale, and cropping may occur among the available materials and display formats.

The historic phrase “Celui de la Présidence” is reproduced as part of the original advertisement and should not be interpreted as a current endorsement by any government office or official institution.

Yesterday’s Posters is an independent seller and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Jambon Villette, Jean d’Ylen’s estate, or any associated rights holders.