Official 1970s print of the original one and in a stunning condition considering its age. Biró Mihály 1886 - 1948 Biró is internationally considered as the founder of political poster art, he is world-famous for his revolutionary designs from the 1910s. His works had great impact on the next generations of poster artists and his contemporaries all over Europe and the USA. His family was Jewish, his father changed the family name to Biró in 1895. Between 1904 and 1918 he studied at the Iparművészeti Iskola (School of Applied Arts) in Budapest. From 1908 to 1910 he travelled to Munich, Berlin, and finally to England, where he became a pupil of Charles Robert Ashbee, and won the award of “The Studio” magazine. This journey makes it quite possible, that he was inspired by the art of leftist German and English magazines (like Simplicissimus or Punch), however he has later created new artistic value in the field of political propaganda design. In the studio of Ashbee, Biró was definitely influenced by the English “Arts & Crafts” movement. After arriving back to Budapest, he came in contact with the members of the Social Democratic Party in Hungary, and he became the leading graphic artist of their newspaper, Népszava (People’s Voice). During the 1910s, he produced his best work. In 1912, he designed a poster for the newspaper, which became his most famous work (known as the red man with hammer or red-hammer-wielding man). As a thoroughly convinced leftist artist, with a strong proletarian conscience, he has created the posters for the demonstrations for voting rights organized by the Social Democratic Party. During World War One, Biró served on the Serbian front, where he got serious lounge and heart problems, which didn’t heal perfectly, and caused him health issues for the rest of his life. He was discharged from the military in 1917, and the same year he has designed an expressive cover for the famous German magazine “Das Plakat”. Biró has produced several war posters for war loans and charity events as well. In 1919, after the Hungarian Soviet Republic was formed, Biró became the leading propaganda artist: he created posters, festive decorations, sculptures, etc. After the fall of the short-lived soviet regime, Biró had to flee: he was invited to Berlin by dr. Hans Sachs, who was the leading poster collector and author on poster art (founder of the Das Plakat journal). Later he worked for Austrian leftist parties, and commercial companies. In 1920, he has published his “Horthy album” about the horrors of white terror in Hungary. He also worked in Berlin, but soon he had to flee from Germany because of the Nazi threat: first to Austria, then Slovakia, and then to Paris. After the Nazi occupation of the city, he was not sent to concentration camp because of his bad physical condition. After the end of the war, in 1947, the socialist government of Hungary called him back: Biró received great honours and a villa in Buda. Because of his serious illness he was unable to accept the university position that was offered to him. He died in 1948. Biro’s posters are defined by the secessionist or Art Noveau style of the beginning of the century. His political posters are widely considered outstanding because of their expressive power. He was able to create long-lasting, monumental symbols for political parties and ideas. He often used monumental (male) figures, which embodied a whole social class or the society itself. Biró liked to use international socialist symbols, like the red colour, the sickle and hammer etc., but he has created new symbols too, like the red clenched fist, or the red-hammer-wielding man. Red and black are the two colours that define many of his works. Biró was very versatile in his use of typography: the text on his posters often becomes an organic part of the composition. Besides the political posters, he also had a lighter, humorous and decorative side, which is manifested in his commercial and theatre posters. Many of these posters (Palma, Unicum, Gyerünk az Edison mozgóba, Nyugat) have the same artistic value as his best propaganda designs. . About Hungarian Poster Art Hungarian poster art has long been celebrated for its unique and captivating style, making it a significant cultural and artistic movement in the world. From the late 19th century to the present day, Hungarian poster art has left an indelible mark on the global art scene, with its innovative techniques, bold designs, and powerful messages. One of the highlights of Hungarian poster art is its ability to seamlessly blend various artistic styles and influences. The movement drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Art Nouveau, Constructivism, and Surrealism, resulting in a diverse and eclectic body of work. Artists such as Mihály Bíró, József Bottlik, and István Irsai pushed the boundaries of traditional poster design, experimenting with typography, color, and composition to create visually striking and thought-provoking pieces. Another notable aspect of Hungarian poster art is its emphasis on storytelling and narrative. Unlike many other countries' posters, which primarily served as advertising tools, Hungarian posters often conveyed a deeper meaning or social commentary. They were not just meant to sell products but also to engage viewers intellectually and emotionally. This storytelling approach allowed Hungarian poster art to transcend its commercial purpose and become a powerful medium for social and political expression. The importance of Hungarian poster art in the world cannot be overstated. During the early 20th century, Hungary was at the forefront of graphic design, and its posters gained international recognition and acclaim. The Budapest School, a group of Hungarian artists, revolutionized the field with their avant-garde approach, influencing poster art movements across Europe and beyond. Their innovative techniques and artistic vision set new standards for poster design, inspiring generations of artists worldwide. Furthermore, Hungarian poster art played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing society. In times of political turmoil and social change, posters became a powerful tool for propaganda and activism. During World War II and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, posters were used to rally support, convey messages of resistance, and document historical events. The ability of Hungarian artists to capture the spirit of the times and communicate complex ideas through visual imagery made their posters an integral part of the nation's cultural and political identity. Today, Hungarian poster art continues to thrive, with contemporary artists carrying on the legacy of their predecessors. The Hungarian Poster Museum in Budapest showcases the rich history and evolution of this art form, attracting visitors from around the world. The enduring appeal and influence of Hungarian poster art can be seen in the works of renowned artists like Tibor Helényi and István Orosz, who have successfully merged traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. In conclusion, Hungarian poster art stands as a testament to the country's artistic prowess and cultural heritage. Its unique style, emphasis on storytelling, and ability to provoke thought and emotion have made it an important and influential movement in the world. From its early beginnings to the present day, Hungarian poster art continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists, leaving an indelible mark on the global art scene. — Please note that our company was founded in 1994 and it is internationally trackable. Invoice is available upon request. Our team consists of members with university degree of art, painting valuation experts and experienced art&antique dealers Feel free to ask as much as you want. Lifetime warranty is available for all items originality. Shipping is with insurance.