ARTIST UNKNOWN Japanese Artists of the XIX Century, 1897

This first printing lithograph page is from Sonsel’s 1897 book Das Moderne Plakat (The Modern Poster), an influential work that showcased the evolution of poster design at the turn of the 19th century. Published by Verlag von Gerhard Kuhtmann in Dresden, this lithograph highlights the work of Japanese artists from the 19th century, who had a significant impact on European art movements such as Art Nouveau and Impressionism.

The page presents beautifully crafted works that reflect the distinct aesthetic of Japanese ukiyo-e prints, characterized by their delicate lines, flat areas of color, and an emphasis on nature and everyday scenes. These elements deeply influenced European poster artists and graphic designers of the time, creating a dialogue between Eastern and Western art forms.