Official authenticated 1968 licence print of the original one According to the company, Unicum was created by József Zwack, the Royal Physician to the Habsburg Court, for Emperor Joseph II in 1790. In 1840 the family founded J. Zwack & Co., the first Hungarian liqueur manufacturer.[1] By the early 1900s, the Zwack company had become one of the largest distilleries in central Europe, producing and exporting over 200 liqueurs and spirits. During World War II, the Zwack factory was damaged and production stopped. After the war the factory was nationalized in 1948 by the communist Hungarian Working People's Party. The Zwack family fled the country. János Zwack with his son Péter Zwack, great grandson of József, was able to escape with the original Zwack recipe. Béla Zwack remained behind to give the communist government a fake Zwack recipe and went on to become a regular factory worker. Meanwhile, János and Péter migrated to the United States, eventually settling in the Bronx in 1949 when Péter was 22 years old.[citation needed] In 1988, just one year before the fall of Communism, Péter Zwack returned to Hungary and resumed production with the original Zwack formula. He repurchased his family business from the State in the summer of 1989, and by the spring of 1990, the original Zwack product was reintroduced to the Hungarian market. That same year, Péter was named Hungarian Ambassador to the United States.[2] In 2008, Péter Zwack handed over the company's leadership to the family's 6th generation, his own children, Sándor and Izabella Zwack. One of their first initiatives was to launch Zwack in the US. In 2013, the Zwack Company has also launched Unicum and Unicum Plum in the US. — Since its inception in 1790, the Hungarian brand Zwack has woven itself into the fabric of both Hungarian culture and international recognition. With a rich history spanning over two centuries, Zwack has become synonymous with quality spirits and iconic beverages. At the heart of its success lies its flagship product, Unicum, a quintessential herbal liqueur that has captured the palates and imaginations of connoisseurs worldwide. Zwack's journey began with József Zwack, who laid the foundation for the brand's enduring legacy by creating the secret recipe for Unicum. With a meticulous blend of over 40 herbs and spices, Unicum was crafted not just as a drink, but as a symbol of Hungarian tradition and resilience. Its distinctive taste, characterized by a harmonious balance of bitterness and herbal complexity, quickly gained popularity, earning it the status of a national treasure. Throughout history, Unicum has withstood the test of time, transcending borders and generations. From serving as the official beverage of the Habsburg Court to surviving political upheavals and economic downturns, Unicum has remained a steadfast symbol of Hungarian identity. Its iconic flask-shaped bottle, adorned with the Zwack family crest, serves as a beacon of heritage and authenticity in the world of spirits. Beyond its cultural significance, Unicum holds immense appeal for investors and collectors alike. The brand's advertising posters, featuring striking imagery and evocative slogans, serve as timeless artifacts of marketing genius. These posters not only capture the essence of Unicum's allure but also reflect the artistic zeitgeist of their respective eras. As such, they have become highly coveted pieces for enthusiasts seeking to own a piece of Hungarian history. Investing in Zwack's advertising posters offers more than just financial potential; it provides an opportunity to preserve and celebrate a legacy that spans centuries. Each poster serves as a window into the cultural evolution of Hungary and the enduring appeal of Unicum. Moreover, as the brand continues to innovate and expand its global footprint, the value of these posters is poised to appreciate, making them a sound investment choice for collectors with an eye for both history and profit. In conclusion, the history of Zwack and the significance of Unicum extend far beyond the realm of spirits; they embody the resilience, ingenuity, and cultural richness of Hungary itself. By investing in Zwack's advertising posters, one not only acquires a piece of tangible heritage but also contributes to the preservation of a legacy that transcends time and borders. As the saying goes, "In Unicum, veritas" – in Unicum, there is truth, and in its enduring legacy, there is timeless value — Geza Farago Faragó was one of the greatest masters of the early Hungarian poster art. He is the most important artist of the Art Nouveau style in Hungary, his well-known works combine the decorative fineness of “Secession” with exquisite humor and caricature. He studied under Ferenc Ujházy, then he worked in a textile factory. Later Faragó traveled to Paris, where he also worked in a textile factory, besides which he studied at the Colarossi Academy, then in the Atelier Artistique Delaye. In 1900, Faragó got a new scholarship to afford his stay in Paris, with which he was able to study at the École des Arts Decoratifs. From there, his way led to Alphonse Mucha’s workshop, where he worked for two years, side by side with the Czech master. Faragó exhibited a couple of times in the Salon in Paris. In 1902, he moved back to Hungary, and started to paint in the workshop of Adolf Fényes (he spent two summers there), later he also worked in the artist colony in Kecskemét. After years of traveling he finally settled down in Budapest. His paintings and graphic works were exhibited in several exhibitions at the Nemzeti Szalon (National Salon). (Some of Faragó’s paintings are today in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery). He had a solo exhibition in Berlin in 1914. During the World War One, Faragó was busy designing propaganda posters. He was also a well-known caricaturist and costume designer – but first and foremost, he was famous for his outstanding posters. Under Mucha’s influence, Faragó has developed a unique, grand and decorative Art Noveau style, which was his own. The decorative two dimensional style of the Japanese woodcuts also had a great influence on his art. He used vivid colors, strong contour lines, and beautiful, ornamental forms and patterns. Like his Czech master, Faragó preferred to represent lovely female figures. Faragó had a special sense of humor and a caricaturesque style that he was able to seamlessly blend with the stunningly attractive Art Nouveau shapes, patterns and other elements: he has created several unforgettable humorous figures, acting almost like trademarks in his designs (such as the bishop for Kerpel, the dandy for Törley, the cheerful girl for Janina). These figures typified the members of the European and Hungarian urban societies of the time. He also liked to draw caricatures of himself some of which has appeared on his posters (for example on Tingli Tangli). Faragó was an enthusiastic fan of metropolitan life, he has designed many commercial posters for nightclubs, cafés, pubs and theaters – he himself became a well-known personality in Budapest’s nightlife. His talent also made him perfectly suited for designing fashion posters. Faragó’s style is close to Mucha’s: he uses strong and decorative contour-lines, and large, flat, colored patches, with which he builds up a comprehensive, decorative composition. As Faragó’s art has developed, his works became more clean regarding the composition. He was influenced by the French Nabis style of painting, which is visible on his famous Tungsram poster (woman with a cat). Faragó started a typical tendency in Hungarian poster art: that the story and jokes are the key tools – besides high artistic value – for capturing the attention. . — About Hungarian Poster Art Hungarian poster art has long been celebrated for its unique and captivating style, making it a significant cultural and artistic movement in the world. From the late 19th century to the present day, Hungarian poster art has left an indelible mark on the global art scene, with its innovative techniques, bold designs, and powerful messages. One of the highlights of Hungarian poster art is its ability to seamlessly blend various artistic styles and influences. The movement drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Art Nouveau, Constructivism, and Surrealism, resulting in a diverse and eclectic body of work. Artists such as Mihály Bíró, József Bottlik, and István Irsai pushed the boundaries of traditional poster design, experimenting with typography, color, and composition to create visually striking and thought-provoking pieces. Another notable aspect of Hungarian poster art is its emphasis on storytelling and narrative. Unlike many other countries' posters, which primarily served as advertising tools, Hungarian posters often conveyed a deeper meaning or social commentary. They were not just meant to sell products but also to engage viewers intellectually and emotionally. This storytelling approach allowed Hungarian poster art to transcend its commercial purpose and become a powerful medium for social and political expression. The importance of Hungarian poster art in the world cannot be overstated. During the early 20th century, Hungary was at the forefront of graphic design, and its posters gained international recognition and acclaim. The Budapest School, a group of Hungarian artists, revolutionized the field with their avant-garde approach, influencing poster art movements across Europe and beyond. Their innovative techniques and artistic vision set new standards for poster design, inspiring generations of artists worldwide. Furthermore, Hungarian poster art played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing society. In times of political turmoil and social change, posters became a powerful tool for propaganda and activism. During World War II and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, posters were used to rally support, convey messages of resistance, and document historical events. The ability of Hungarian artists to capture the spirit of the times and communicate complex ideas through visual imagery made their posters an integral part of the nation's cultural and political identity. Today, Hungarian poster art continues to thrive, with contemporary artists carrying on the legacy of their predecessors. The Hungarian Poster Museum in Budapest showcases the rich history and evolution of this art form, attracting visitors from around the world. The enduring appeal and influence of Hungarian poster art can be seen in the works of renowned artists like Tibor Helényi and István Orosz, who have successfully merged traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. In conclusion, Hungarian poster art stands as a testament to the country's artistic prowess and cultural heritage. Its unique style, emphasis on storytelling, and ability to provoke thought and emotion have made it an important and influential movement in the world. From its early beginnings to the present day, Hungarian poster art continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists, leaving an indelible mark on the global art scene. — Please note that our company was founded in 1994 and it is internationally trackable. Invoice is available upon request. Our team consists of members with university degree of art, painting valuation experts and experienced art&antique dealers Feel free to ask as much as you want. Lifetime warranty is available for all items originality. Shipping is with insurance.