I have always been a keen admirer of Poster Art. It is often dismissed as illustration as opposed to Fine Art, which is true. Fine art exists for it's own sake ('Art for art's sake'; it has no utilitarian function), whereas illustration serves a specific purpose, usually commercial or educational. However that does not exclude beauty or being able to derive pleasure from Poster Art. I have previously Blogged about London Transport poster art - another source of great enjoyment and also female poster artists. Here are some of the best early cinema posters with minimal comment. They are purely for enjoyment!
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| 1913, In the style of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema I would say. |
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| 1914, With the great strap-line: "Upton Sinclair's wonderful story of the beef packing industry"! |
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| 1917, Theda Bara got there before Elizabeth Taylor |
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| 1917, Reminiscent of Victorian moral painting |
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| Mary Pickford was 29 in 1921 when this was made. I think it might be considered somewhat dubious today! |
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| 1923, Who knew that Rin Tin Tin was around nearly a century ago? |
13 comments:
Hello Bazza, These are so evocative of the silent-era movies, and with color, to boot. I think that the lines between art and artisanship are increasingly blurred, and this includes looking backward as well. Some of these posters could have been distributed at the time (minus the text) as frameable art, and would have compared well with much that was displayed with enthusiasm.
--Jim
Fine art existing for its own sake and not having any utilitarian function is just a bit snooty, in my humble opinion. It certainly could be created for religious, historical or family fame purposes.
And in days of no tv and no internet, film posters had a very specific purpose - to catch the eye of a passerby and hold his/her attention long enough to "advertise" the film. Thus the more gorgeous the colours and shapes in the posters, the more likely the passerby would pay attention. Bland contents would interest nobody.
Jim: I do find them very evocative of the age in which they were created. They are also very lovely and pleasing to look at! The creators of these images were no less skilled that 'fine' artists.
Hels: Yes, I agree with your analysis (It wasn't my own definition of course). The function of art has changed greatly since, say, the Renaissance or even since cave-paintings coming to think of it. Much early art was created for religious purposes - especially in a mostly illiterate age. I think the notion of Ars gratia artis is relatively recent.
Hi Bazza - very indicative of the era ... I love the railway and travel posters - obviously later. These are fascinating - and yes Theda Bara definitely beat Elizabeth Taylor didn't she. I did enjoy seeing them ... so different ... thanks for 'reveal' of cinema posters from over 100 years ago. All the best - Hilary
Hilary: Me too! I will write a Blog about inter-war cinema art later. There will be some more familiar names I think.
Those are some great posters! My mother-in-law has similar ones hanging on the walls in her living room.
Thank you for sharing these early posters.
Thank you too for the link to You Tube, the music and video was so enjoyable.
All the best Jan
Sherry: They are very good as interior decoration. Actually most cinema posters are!
Jan: Thank you - and I'm glad you liked the music!
Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Art "snobs" may look down their noses at poster art, but some of them are quite beautiful and even thought-provoking. Once upon a time, artists like graffiti guru Banksy weren't taken seriously, but now some of his work fetches huge sums of money. Not that money is necessarily a true indication of a work's value. Whatever someone is willing to pay, I suppose.
Take care. I hope you and your bride have been able to get vaccinated. I get my second shot tomorrow, and am looking forward to feeling a little safer. Woo HOO!
Susan: Quite true. The money paid for certain works of art only reflects their investment value! Leah & I are having our second jab on Friday 16th April. I'm pleased to learn that your's is imminent. (You may have had it before you read this...)
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