Maëstro was a cigar. The Maëstro-man was a proto-Marlboro-like character who strode above the logo in die-cut points of purchase like this one. Modeled on a older gent in his evening finest, this dude, seemingly surprised by just how flavorful his cigar was, became one of the army of fantasy pitchmen and women of the early twentieth century. Invented though he was, his image was the spark of many a consumer’s engine.
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About Steven HellerSteven Heller is the co-chair of the SVA MFA Designer /Designer as Author + Entrepreneur program, writes frequently for Wired and Design Observer. He is also the author of over 170 books on design and visual culture. He received the 1999 AIGA Medal and is the 2011 recipient of the Smithsonian National Design Award.View all posts by Steven Heller →