The Modern Poster

About this book

A single poster must stop a passer-by in the street. The best designers answer with startling colours, unfamiliar lettering and silhouettes that remain in memory long after the advertisement has gone.

The Modern Poster examines the flourishing graphic art of the late nineteenth century, when illustrated advertisements became a collecting passion. Its reproductions offer a gallery of performers, commercial products and daring compositions by artists who helped define modern visual culture. Looking through it feels like walking a city wall at the moment printed design discovered a new confidence.