Mercurio. 1903.

Artist: ADRIÀ GUAL (1872-1943)
Size: 18 3/4 x 25 1/2 in./47.8 x 64.6 cm
Condition: A-/ Unobtrusive folds.
Printer: Lit. M. Pujadas, Barcelona
Reference: Ref: Publicidad, 2043
Key Words: Art Nouveau; Spain; Literary

Mercurio. 1903.
Gual presents an idyllic coastal scene to promote the Spanish magazine Mercurio, which was founded by businessman José Puigdollers Macià in 1901, shortly after the loss of Spain's last colonies: Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. In coalition with the Casa de América in Barcelona, the magazine aimed to integrate Catalan business in America and reinvigorate Spain's international affiliations. Gual's design, paired with the text that reads "The travels of a drop of water," illustrates the interconnectivity of the natural world—and perhaps supplies a conceptual vision of Mercurio's ultimate goals.