Description
Industrial Art Deco Excellence from the Weimar Era
This is an original lithograph poster by artist Henze, realized for August Osterrieth—one of Frankfurt am Main’s most respected printing houses (established 1831). A stunning example of Art Deco poster design applied to industrial advertising, this piece celebrates the craft of fine printing with elegance and mythological authority.
The Design & Symbolism
The composition features Mercury (Hermes in classical tradition) holding the distinctive Osterrieth corporate emblem—a visual metaphor for swift, reliable, and skillfully executed print services. The German text translates the company’s guarantee: quality printing is their promise. The bold red figure against a deep blue background, characteristic of 1930s German vintage poster aesthetics, creates immediate visual impact. The Art Deco geometry and color blocking reveal artist Henze’s command of modernist commercial design.
Historical Significance
This rare vintage poster documents Frankfurt’s golden age of printing innovation during the Weimar period. August Osterrieth’s legacy encompasses lithography, offset printing, bookbinding, and general printing—all of which are referenced in the text. An authentic vintage poster of this caliber captures the pride German craftspeople took in their technical mastery.
Format & Condition
This is a cartone—a small-format display piece mounted on light cardboard backing, designed for in-house promotion or client presentation. This format makes surviving examples particularly rare; most were discarded after the business cycle. The piece is in excellent condition with vibrant color, clear printing registration, and stable cardboard support.
Collector Appeal
Original lithograph posters from the German industry rarely surface. This combines three powerful collector interests: Art Deco poster design, industrial/commercial art history, and authenticated documentation of rare vintage posters. Perfect for designers, advertising historians, printing professionals, or collectors of collectible art posters with thematic depth.
Authenticity guaranteed as an IVPDA-certified dealer. Every piece is authenticated and documented.
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