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ALL ABOUT POSTERS
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Brief Description of Vintage Posters
The first color poster was printed in France in 1869 by the father of poster art, Jules Cheret. Joined by other French artists, the use of posters became widespread, first in Paris, then throughout Europe. Posters advertised products, events, and travel, They were placed on buildings, railway stations, kiosks, fences – anywhere a large surface was available for the public to see. These posters were printed on a very thin paper stock, similar to newsprint.
What is an “Original” Poster?
Original means from the first printing. Most posters were only printed once, but a few were considered such effective advertisements that the advertiser had the poster printed a second time, and sometimes more often. Most poster galleries and dealers can distinguish between an original poster and a reproduction. As a buyer, you should choose your vendor carefully, ask for a certificate of authenticity, and inquire if there is a money-back guarantee as well if you are not completely satisfied.
Posters & Prints
Original Posters are, by definition, first printing run posters. In fact, most advertising poster titles had only one printing run. While most were promptly put on billboards, fences, building facades and kiosks, some never were used as advertisements. Collector clubs became popular during the 1890’s, and printers put a number of posters aside for these collectors. We are the fortunate beneficiaries because otherwise, none would be available.
The Masters of the Poster (Les Maitres de L’Affiche) was a series of 256 lithographs created by Jules Cheret in the 1890’s. Cheret printed a selection of posters by the foremost poster designers/artists of the Belle Epoque in a small format. He included artists from Europe, and the United States.. They were published in book form by Librarie Chaix in Paris, a printing firm owned by Jules Cheret. Subscriptions were taken and four posters were sent every month. These lithographs have an embossed seal verifying their authenticity.
Later Printing of Original Posters are often the result of the original printing run’s success. The advertiser might try to repeat this success, and an additional printing run is made. There can be changes in size, color and text. While later printing have great decorative art attributes, they do not have the collector premium of original run posters.
Small Format, Posters and Lithographs, are often used as magazine advertisements or for window displays. A variety of printing techniques can be used. Many famous artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Steinlen and Cappiello designed lithographs for Le Rire, L’Arte Moderne, Le Figaro, and other publications.
Limited Edition Prints are numbered and do not generally advertise anything.
What are the Criteria that Determine a Poster’s Value?
There are essentially five factors. In the end, however, we can say it is a question of supply and demand.
Condition: The better the condition, the higher the value (see the section on determining poster condition).
Rarity: Some posters are seldom available for purchase. Perhaps only a few copies have survived, and these could be in museums or private collections. When such a rare poster becomes available, collectors are bound to compete to own it. Posters which are relatively easy to find keep their price from appreciating.
Artist: Well-known and highly thought-of artists are always sought. Toulouse-Lautrec, Mucha, Cheret and others fall in this category. Cappiello is probably the most collected poster artist today, in part because he was so prolific and many of his poster designs are still available.
Subject: Some events like the Olympics lend themselves to being collected. Others like the Titanic react to publicity such as the remaking of the movie, the finding of the ship and salvaging some items. Certain subjects, like Rita Hayworth movie posters, King Kong movie posters, and older ski posters seem to remain in demand.
Artistic Merit: Most poster artists have designed some posters that are considered outstanding artistic efforts. While artistic merit can be very subjective, there is also a consensus on most pieces as to their merit.
There are websites which will provide you with sales prices for many poster titles, based on public auction results. You may also subscribe to poster auctions catalogues and get actual auction results sent to you.
How are Poster Conditions Determined?
A generally-accepted grading system exists, although the system is applied with some subjectivity. We recommend that one does not buy a poster in less than B+ condition unless it is very rare and unavailable in a better condition.
A+ : A flawless example of the poster, in absolutely mint condition; rarely seen.
A : Very fine condition, with fresh colors, no paper loss or restoration. A poster with a printer’s crease is still in A condition.
A-: Any faults are unobstrusive. There may be some slight blemish, a small tear at the edge, very minor restoration.
B+ : In very good condition.
B : In good condition. There may be some restoration, paper loss, repaired tears or browning, minor mushrooming or some yellowing, but the lines and colors are good.
C : In fair condition. Some paper loss, restoration, some staining and yellowing, water marks may be seen. Colors may be somewhat faded, but the image is clear.
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ADDRESS: 42 INTERLAKEN RD. SUITE 1 ORLANDO, FL 32804
PHONE: (407) 298-4644 FAX: (407) 297-3753
E-MAIL: info@vintageposterart.com
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