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!
 |
| 1913, In the style of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema I would say. |
 |
| 1914, With the great strap-line: "Upton Sinclair's wonderful story of the beef packing industry"! |
 |
| 1917, Theda Bara got there before Elizabeth Taylor |
 |
| 1917, Reminiscent of Victorian moral painting |
 |
| Mary Pickford was 29 in 1921 when this was made. I think it might be considered somewhat dubious today! |
 |
| 1923, Who knew that Rin Tin Tin was around nearly a century ago? |
