Dr. Harriette Kaley Poster Collection

Posters have long promoted the agendas and ideas of individuals. In 1798, Aloïs Senefelder of Bohemia, Germany invented the lithograph. This machine enabled those interested to print materials with greater ease as well as being faster and cheaper than previous alternatives. Jules Chéret of Paris, France innovated upon Senefelder’s invention in 1860. Prints could now be made while showcasing multiple colors. Upon this discovery, Chéret began to produce works of art, posting them against the drab walls of Paris. Contrasted by the neutral toned buildings, the color was rather obvious. Other artists joined Chéret in poster art. Soon posters were being used as means of advertisement. Posters were so prevalent in France that an ordinance was approved in 1881 requiring stamps of approval before they could be posted. Also, a fee was charged based on the size of the poster. This act led to their standardization. In turn, they began to be recognized by museums and galleries as legitimate forms of art. Over time the styles of posters mirrored the current art trends. These methods included Art Nouveau and Dada. In the end the official protocol was simple and clear designs. These proved to be most effective in representing the message of the poster. Various governments used posters as propaganda throughout times of war, and this was especially apparent during World War I. Leaders sought to raise funds, recruit soldiers, and conserve resources. Tourism became another outlet for posters. Film posters followed in Russia and the Netherlands. With the introduction of television the demand for posters decreased, however they made a comeback in the 1960’s amid the Vietnam War and the new interest in pop music.

Italy’s poster market began with the formation of the Italian State Railway in 1905. The Railway spanned 9,000 miles and connected nearly all of Italy. Posters were a key tool in promoting Italian tourism, a source of income for the government. They often aesthetically portrayed a travel destination. Following the tremendous losses of World War I, the Italian government increased tourism efforts to secure more income. In 1918, King Vittorio Emanuele III established the