Nivea Cream for Skin Care
ca. 1911 - 1914
Hans Rudi Erdt was a rockstar of early 20th-century advertising, and this 1911 poster for Nivea Creme shows exactly why. He was a leading figure in the German 'Plakatstil' (Poster Style) movement, which rebelled against cluttered Victorian ads by using bold, flat colors and simple shapes. Notice how the giant red 'Nivea' text and the diagonal tube pop against the dark background? This design was revolutionary because it was meant to be read instantly by people rushing past on the street or riding in trams. It’s a masterclass in 'less is more' that still looks incredibly modern today.
- Technique
- Color lithograph
- Material
- Paper