Versinthe

Absinthe (The Green Fairy) was formally banned in France by presidential decree in January 1915. This ban was finally lifted in April 2011.  Following the lifting of the ban La Liquoristerie Versinthe was the first to re-create the spirit , with their premium liqueur Versinthe, a complex botanical spirit crafted from a blend of twenty plants, including wormwood, anise, fennel, and coriander, generally bottled at 45%–60% ABV.

Originating in the mid-1870s, the specialised absinthe spoon is a flat spoon with a perforated design into which a sugar cube is placed.  1oz of Absenthe is poured into a glass and the spoon is then placed across the rim.  Ice-cold water is then dripped over the sugar creating the “Louche” effect (The water mixes into the spirit ichanging it from clear to a milky, pale green or opalescent white.).  The purpose of the exercise is to soften the natural bitter taste of the herbs used to create the Absinthe (artemisia) through the sweetened the liquid.

In a subtle but clever play on a theme, Sommer has incorporated the green colour of the absinthe in the woman’s eyes and the perforations of the absinthe spoon in the fan’ that she is holding.  green fairy

Condition: A

Artist: Philippe Sommer

Year: 2000

Dimensions: W 71.5cm x H 100cm